Matthew 20:16

Do you agree with this?

So the last [to be hired] shall be first [in hourly pay-rate], and the first [to be hired] last [in hourly pay-rate]: for many be called [to work], but few chosen [for the higher hourly pay-rate]. Matt 20:16 (KJV)

Meaning that some of the 12 disciples may not sit on the 12 thrones judging the 12 tribes; but some of them may be displaced by others for that rank and function?

(Remember, this parable takes place right after the incident with the "rich, young ruler" and in response to Peter's question.)

You have to read this in context of Mathew 19: 16 through 20:16.
To understand his point.
The rich guy unable to give up stuff, goes away. The Peter say we gave up everything, and Jesus explains his reward, and then he gives this parable.

No 😊

Does it not relate that the workers whether early or late would be all paid the same?? This is how it reads for me.

I think that Jesus, was just explaining to his disciples that they will be rewarded for their sacrifice, but that others will also come and also be rewarded, and not to compare themselves to those coming later because his grace is his and he will give according to his grace.

At that time when Jesus spoke to the twelve disciples yes I agree some of the twelve may not sit on the 12 thrones.

Judas was excluded (since he excluded himself) but the twelve apostles of the Lamb (including Paul) will not be displaced at all. That's why their names are embedded in the twelve foundations of the New Jerusalem.

You are also misunderstanding the parable. Many (indeed all) are called unto salvation, but few are chosen because relatively few obey the Gospel. The work is irrelevant, since the grace of God is displayed by giving the same wages to the ones who arrived last. It is all about the grace of God.

What? Where did you get that meaning?

If someone comes to the Lord late in life they are considered equal with those who entered His service while still young.

All those who labour for the Lord are equal in the sight of God.

Yes, the Gentiles were late comers and equal with believing Jews, the rewards being the same.

Not really! I have preached on this parable twice, studied 20 commentaries, and read the parable in many versions, including Greek! So, although it comes after the parable of the rich young ruler, it is not connected by literary device. In fact, the passage actually starts at Matt 19:30 "But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first." this is reversed at the end of the parable in Matt 20:16 "16 “So the last will be first, and the first will be last."

Those are the book ends and it has NOTHING to do with the 12 disciples at all. It simply explains that all are equal in the Kingdom of God. If you have been saved most of your life, you are no different than someone who gets saved in their death bed. (Yes, there are rewards, crowns, etc, but that has nothing to do with this parable!)

You need to learn about context. Things like this parable was told on the road to Jerusalem, where Jesus would be soon crucified. It also ties in later in Matt 20, with the request of the mother of the sons of Zebedee, that James and John, the "sons of thunder" might sit on either side of Jesus. Jesus made no promises, because he knew that although they were faithful disciples, no disciple is greater than another, and no Christian is greater than another, just as the parable says. The result is always the same, we are sinners saved by grace, sanctified and transformed by the Holy Spirit until Jesus returns and we are glorified with Christ.

Stop misreading the text, with putting your own warp into what the words actually say!

Well my bible doesnt have all those words you inserted in bold there so no.

Interesting interpretation though, but Angela seems to have what fits with whats actually there.

Yep, not much of a big mystery huh?
Most of the parable are just that some Jesus explains a principle using a story. Simple story, simple principle.