14 Take your money and go. I wanted to pay this last worker the same as you. 15 Is it against the law for me to do what I want with my money? Should you be jealous because I am kind to others?’ 16 “So those who are last now will be first then, and those who are first will be last.” (Matthew 20: 14-16)
Sermon Title: That’s Not Fair!
27 Then Peter said to him, “We’ve given up everything to follow you. What will we get?” 28 Jesus replied, “I assure you that when the world is made new and the Son of Man sits upon his glorious throne, you who have been my followers will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or property, for my sake, will receive a hundred times as much in return and will inherit eternal life. 30 But many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then. (Matthew 19:27-30)
The Vineyard Owner: Represents God, whose actions defy human logic in favor of divine generosity.
The Workers: Represent various groups of people in the Kingdom (early laborers as those faithful from the start, latecomers as those who enter later in life).
The Wages: Symbolize eternal life and God’s blessings, which are not earned but freely given.
I. Favor is not Fairness “He answered one of them, ‘Friend, I haven’t been unfair! Didn’t you agree to work all day for the usual wage 14 Take your money and go. I wanted to pay this last worker the same as you. (Matthew 20: 13-14)
7 So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus. 8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. (Ephesians 2:7-10)
Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Z-Tweet: “I’ll take favor over fairness any day!”
II. Comparison is Counter-Productive “Is it against the law for me to do what I want with my money? Should you be jealous because I am kind to others?” (Matthew 20:15)
Oh, don’t worry; we wouldn’t dare say that we are as wonderful as these other men who tell you how important they are! But they are only comparing themselves with each other, using themselves as the standard of measurement. How ignorant! ( 2 Corinthians 10:12)
But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For each will have to bear his own load. (Galatians 6:4-5)
For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. (Galatians 1:10)
III. Grace is God’s Choice “So those who are last now will be first then, and those who are first will be last.” (Matthew 20:16)
Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise. (Luke 23:42-43)