MATTHEW 20.1-16
“… ’Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?’ So the last will be first and the first last.” V. 15
Jesus now teaches with a parable. He says “the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard.” The master agrees on a fair price for the laborers and they go to work. The master then goes on to hire more workers throughout the
day – even up to the point where there is only one hour of work remaining. The master decides to pay all workers the same wage – the wage he had agreed upon with the first workers. When one of the first workers complain, the master replies, “Friend, I am doing you no wrong … I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you.” In this parable, we’re reminded that the kingdom is not fair. Rather, God graciously rewards according to his generosity instead of our merit. Now, that is good news!
1. What part of the text or sermon had the greatest impact on you? Where were you most encouraged, intrigued, or challenged?
2. Assuming Jesus is telling this parable in response to the discussion that precedes it, what might Matthew 19:27-28 suggest about the point Jesus had in mind for this parable?
3. When reading this parable, do you identify more with the workers who began first or last? Why is that?
4. Read Romans 9:14-16. What is the basis for the way God sovereignly chooses to deal with men? How does this make you feel?
5. In what ways are you expecting God’s ways to be fair? How has this harmed your relationship with God and others?