And Now for Something Completely Different

Scripture: Matthew 20:1-16 (N.B. Exodus 16:2-15; Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45; Jonah 3:10 – 4:11; Psalm 145: 1-8; and Philippians 1:21-30- Proper 20 Year A)

Introduction.  

We’ve heard ‘The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard’.  In Matthew’s Gospel it comes right after Jesus meeting the rich young man, and just before Jesus reminding his followers that he was going to die.  

General Meaning.  

This parable reminds Christians, then and now, that salvation is the reward for signing up to work for God, but working harder doesn’t get us any more salvation.  We’re saved or we’re not: we can’t earn it, and salvation comes from God’s generosity not our efforts.  

However, we do get the pleasure of working for a good and generous boss.  We get to see (and maybe taste) the fruits of our labours We work alongside our Christian sisters and brothers for a common cause, and we are encouraged by each other. 

Particular Meaning.  

Did you notice that God called the latest workers in first?  Jesus is telling us that He will call the latest converts first to give them their full reward.  Here is a picture of a God who is eager, perhaps delighted, to reward the lost sheep.  It is also a God who is still teaching the faithful, even as they queue up in heaven to stand before His awesome throne. 

I’ve been a Christian, I’ve had a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ, for about three decades now.  Many of you will look upon me as a youngster in the faith, and so I am compared to you.  So, there will be souls who converted late in the life – even after death (1Peter 4:6) – in the queue ahead of us.  We will have time to learn more than we ever did from any preacher on earth. 

Application.  

Our witness and work isn’t done yet.

Every time we get a chance to:

• Pray for someone; 
• Show God’s grace by being kind, forgiving and generous; and
• Tell others “the reason for the hope that you have … with gentleness and respect” [1Peter 3:15]. 

But remember, that this isn’t a chore, were going to let God pay us generously and just share that with our mates as we pick the grapes.