Matthew 20:8 “When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last ones hired and going on to the first.’
My first reaction when reading this parable, pretty much always, is anger. The thought, “That’s not fair!!!” Leaps to my mind! I imagine that I would be among the early workers, toiling away in the broiling sun all day. Clearly, I deserve more compensation for my labor than those who have only been at it for an hour or two. And just like that, God shows me I still have so far to go when it comes to humbling myself before Him.
Matthew 20:9 “The workers who were hired about five in the afternoon came and each received a denarius.
“But wait!!” I think frantically, “If we are talking about grace, of course it’s fair. Of course it’s fine.” “My child,” my precious Savior replies, “It’s all about grace….and mercy and compassion. You still have so very much to learn.” And without even trying, I am like the disciples in the boat, screaming in my fear. Oh me of little faith.
Matthew 20:10 So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each one of them also received a denarius.
Precious Savior, Thank You for loving me enough to keep working on my heart. Thank You for showing me the areas where I need to humble myself before You. Thank You that Your grace cannot be earned, that Your compassion and mercy are given freely to all—those who come early to Your call and those like me who continue to struggle with the lessons to which You lovingly continue to direct our attention. I am eternally grateful for Your grace. Amen.
Matthew 20:11 When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner.
Have a blessed day.