matthew 20:1-19

Hard Work

Jesus is seeking to teach further on the”last - first”concept. The landlord in the parable went out at different times and hired workers. The full day workers were outraged that the ones who worked less hours got the same pay. The landlord gave the last workers full pay out of the generosity of his heart. Like each of the workers in the parable we have been invited to serve in His kingdom.

#1 What does this parable teach us about serving?

Greatness is not measured in how long we serve in the kingdom present, nor is it about the reward we may get. It is about our response to the calling that we have on our lives.

When we humbly accept our places as His trusting little ones we then find greatness. We are all equal in the kingdom.

#2 When the landlord told the workers he had the right to do what he chose with his money what did this mean ?

#2 What

It reminds us that God is the landowner and he has the right to reward as he sees fit as it is under his sovereign control. It also tells us that God treats no one unfairly.

#3 This parable can also help explain salvation. How does it explain it?

The landlord can be said to be handing out salvation and that there is no partial salvation. Even the last and the least in God’s kingdom are completely saved.

We have that salvation because of Jesus’ death and here he was also telling the disciples for the third time that he must die. But, this time he gives them a little more detail. He tells then that he will be executed, crucified but be raised to life.

#4 How are you serving in the kingdom? Examine your motives for that service? Are they in humble service or did you get involved to earn favor?