GRACE
Matthew 20:1–16
Matthew 19 concludes with Jesus promising a renewal of all things and describing the blessings and rewards that will someday come to His followers when all things are fulfilled.
Workers Hired (1–7)
As Matthew 20 opens, Jesus’ conversation is continuing concerning who is entitled to eternal life in the Kingdom of God. As He often did, Jesus shares eternal truth via a parable. A parable is an earthly story with a heavenly meaning. He describes the Kingdom of heaven as being like a landowner who goes out and hires workers for His vineyard.
Each worker is promised one denarius for the day’s work. A denarius would cover a person’s basic needs. He hired one group in the morning and agreed with them on the day’s pay. At approximately 9 a.m., noon, 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., the landowner saw men standing around doing nothing.
Each time, he hired additional workers to work in his vineyard with the promise to pay them whatever was “right.”
Equally Paid (8–12)
At the close of the workday, the landowner instructed the foreman to gather the workers and pay them their salary. Those who were hired last and worked the shortest amount of time were given one denarius. That means that the workers who worked for the least amount of time were paid the same amount as those who had worked a full day.
The compensation paid was not based on the number of hours worked. From a worldly perspective, it doesn’t seem fair!
Those who had worked a full day complained about the landowner. They believed they should have received more than those who put in less time.
You can see the spirit of the older brother in the prodigal son story here. They were jealous of the generosity of the landowner.
Grace Exemplified (13–16)
The landowner responded to the complaints of the unhappy workers. He asked them, “Didn’t we agree on your wages? Shouldn’t I have the right to do what I want with my money?” The answer to both questions is yes.
This is a powerful parable teaching us about the grace of God. Grace is unmerited favor. If we’re not careful, we start comparing ourselves and our service to the Lord with others who have lived in disobedience to God for much of their lives.
In a discussion, the question was posed, “If Osama bin Laden repented of his sins and committed his life to Jesus, would he go to heaven?”
The person who asked the question believed that God should reject his eleventh-hour conversion and condemn him or at least punish him for an extended period. I countered by saying, “The question is not, ‘Why would God save Osama bin Laden?’ The real question is, ‘Why would God save any of us?’”
Grace is God’s generosity offered because of what Jesus has done. Through 50+ years of ministry, I am so thankful for the many folks who have made eleventh-hour professions of faith.
Based on their sincerity of heart and the promise of God, I absolutely believe that I will see them in heaven. God is faithful! His grace is amazing.
By Don Fugate
Senior pastor of Foxworthy Baptist Church in San Jose, California
