# Chapter X: The Parable of the Vineyard explained — The Pearl

> Chapter companion for The Pearl by Anonymous.

## What happens

The Dreamer continues his conversation with the Pearl Maiden, who recounts the parable of the vineyard, where the master pays all workers equally regardless of hours worked. The maiden explains that this illustrates God's grace and mercy, which are given freely to all who come to Him, even at the last hour. The Dreamer questions the fairness of this, citing the Psalm that says God requites each according to his deeds, but the maiden insists that God's mercy surpasses human understanding of justice.

## Themes in this chapter

### Divine Grace and Mercy

The parable of the vineyard emphasizes that God's grace is given freely to all, regardless of their labor, highlighting the theme of divine mercy over strict justice.

### Social Hierarchy and Equality

The parable challenges earthly notions of fairness and hierarchy, suggesting that in God's kingdom, all are equal and receive the same reward.

### Human Limitation and Submission

The Dreamer's questioning of God's justice illustrates human limitation in understanding divine ways, and the need to submit to God's will.

## Character check-ins

### The Pearl Maiden

Recounts the parable of the vineyard to explain God's grace and mercy.

### The Dreamer

Questions the fairness of the parable, citing the Psalm about God's justice.

### Jesus

Quoted as saying 'The last shall be first, and the first last' and 'Many are called, but few are chosen.'

## Key lines

> The last shall be the first of you; And the first last, however swift, For many are called, but chosen, few.

In God's kingdom, those who are last in the world's eyes will be first, and the first will be last, because many are invited but only a few are chosen.

_This quote from Jesus (as quoted by the Pearl Maiden) encapsulates the theme of divine reversal and election._

> Thou requitest each for his deed's sake, Thou high and all-foreknowing King.

You, O God, reward each person according to their deeds, as the Psalm says.

_The Dreamer cites the Psalm to argue for a strict justice, contrasting with the maiden's message of grace._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_pearl_se/chapters/x
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_pearl_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_pearl_se/chapters