Untitled Sermon (6)

Sermon Title: The Scandal of Grace

Text: Matthew 20:1–16

Theme: God’s kingdom operates on grace, not merit.

I. Introduction: The Unsettling Fairness of God (vv. 1–2)

Jesus tells a parable to correct human assumptions about fairness and reward in God’s kingdom.

The vineyard symbolizes God’s kingdom; the master represents God; the laborers, His people.

The master’s promise is clear: a fair wage (a denarius = full day’s wage).

Key idea: God’s call is gracious—He invites us to serve in His vineyard.

Illustration: Times we’ve felt life or God’s blessings are “unfair.” Transition: But the master’s actions surprise us—he keeps calling more workers.

II. The Gracious Call of the Master (vv. 3–7)

The master goes out repeatedly: 9 a.m., noon, 3 p.m., even 5 p.m.

Each group receives the same invitation—no one is overlooked.

The late workers stand idle not out of laziness, but because “no one hired them.”

God’s kingdom is marked by His initiative and compassion, not our timing or worthiness.

Theological Insight: Grace doesn’t reward effort; it rescues the undeserving. Application: God still calls sinners at every stage of life—early, mid, or late.

III. The Shocking Payment (vv. 8–12)

At day’s end, everyone receives the same pay.

Those who worked all day grumble: “You made them equal to us!”

Human logic demands proportional fairness; divine grace gives equal reward.

The parable exposes self-righteous hearts that think God owes them.

Doctrinal Point: Grace equalizes. There are no seniority privileges in the kingdom. Cross-reference: Luke 15 (Prodigal Son)—both stories confront envy at grace.

IV. The Master’s Reply: Grace Is God’s to Give (vv. 13–15)

“Friend, I am doing you no wrong… Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me?”

God is sovereign in dispensing grace.

The real issue is envy—“Is your eye evil because I am good?” (v. 15).

The scandal is that grace confronts pride and entitlement.

Application: Do we rejoice in others’ salvation, or resent God’s mercy to them? Pastoral note: Grace humbles those who think they deserve it, and comforts those who know they don’t.

V. The Reversal of the Kingdom (v. 16)

“So the last will be first, and the first last.”

Kingdom values invert worldly logic.

It’s not about how much you’ve done, but whom you serve and trust.

The first (those confident in their merit) find themselves last; the last (those relying on grace) are exalted.

Gospel Connection: The parable points to Christ—He bore the cost of the vineyard so all laborers could receive freely. Final Appeal: Enter the vineyard not to earn, but to rejoice in the generosity of your Master.

Conclusion:

The parable reveals three truths:

God’s call is gracious.

God’s reward is generous.

God’s grace is sovereign.

The kingdom is not earned—it’s received with gratitude and humility.

Closing Line:

“In the kingdom of God, grace doesn’t reward the worthy—it makes the unworthy welcome.”