Scripture
Matthew 20:10-12
10 So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each one of them also received a denarius. 11 When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner. 12 ‘These who were hired last worked only one hour,’ they said, ‘and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.’
Observation - What does it say?
In chapter 19 Jesus deals with the rich young ruler, a disciple who was challenged with leaving all of his belongings to follow Jesus. The man left dejected. Afterword, Jesus reafirms the apostles that to everyone who leaves something to follow Him, they will receive immeasurably more in heaven. Jesus then jumps into this parable discussing heaven and God’s graciousness to us. At the beginning of the the parable Jesus states “The first shall be last and the last shall be first.” At the end, he states it in the oposite order, “The last shall be first and the first shall be last.” This statement clearly shows God’s love distributed to us equally.
Understanding - What does it mean?
One of the things that strikes me about this passage is the view of the blessing that had been distributed amongst the workers. I can’t even begin to count how many times I have acted in the same way. When I begin to compare myself to others and ask God, “Why did you bless them with a nicer…” “How come they go on more vacations than me?” “Why don’t I have as much money as they do?” I find myself discontent with the blessings that God has given me. In the parable, the wise master answers the grumbling worker by stating something so simple and yet profound. In verse 15 he says, “Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my money?”
God has wisdom that passes all understanding. He ultimately knows how to bless people in ways that fulfill his purposes. In the grand scheme of things, our time here on earth is so short. Is it really worth comparing ourselves with how God blesses others when ultimately, in heaven, all of these things will pass away in comparison to God’s glory? In I Thessalonians 5:16-18 Paul gives us an example of the atittude we should carry with us everyday. “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Life application
Jesus, you know what I need before I ask. And you also know when I ask you for things with the wrong motive. Help me to align my desires with your will. Help me to appreciate all the blessings you have bestowed on me, and to rejoice in the blessings of others. I know your ways are perfect.
- Tyler Galloway
