Session 8
Matthew 20:1-16
Memory Verse: Matthew 20:16
In Matthew 20, we instinctively agree with the men in the first group.
They were hired early, labored for twelve hours,
and sweated through the hottest part of the day.
On the surface, their compensation does seem unfair
when compared to those who worked only an hour.
But, as the owner pointed out,
he had the right to show generosity to everyone
who worked for him.
What some might call unfairness actually represented grace.
Sometimes, we expect more for what we’ve done,
and we begin to grumble and complain.
We think we deserve better-
maybe even from God.
But God’s values run counter to our natural way of thinking.
He is a generous God who loves to give-
even to those who don’t “deserve” it.
Truth is, none of us really deserve any grace from His hand.
Thankfully, God does not pay based on merit.
He gives based on His generosity.
Everybody wants to be treated fairly.
We become resentful when we perceive we have not
received equal treatment.
“Unfair,” we cry as we demand justice.
“He got a bigger piece of cake!”
“Her bonus was larger than mine,
and I did most of the work.”
We always want what we think we deserve.
Yet life often is unfair.
Life never levels the playing field for all those participating.
Some are treated better, others are pushed down,
but all suffer under the inequalities of life. (PSG, p. 72)
Jesus often used parables
to help believers grasp spiritual and eternal questions.
Share the following content from Understand the Context.
Highlight the events leading up to this study:
The parable in Matthew 20:1-16
is the capstone of the larger section of teaching
found in 19:16-20:16.
This sequence of events and teachings began
with the inquiry of the rich young ruler.
It continued with a discussion between Jesus and the disciples
concerning the rewards of following Jesus.
To illustrate the truths concerning eternal life and eternal rewards,
Jesus shared the parable that begins chapter 20.
What is profound about this section is the reversal
of all that might be expected from a human perspective. .
The people of Jesus’s day expected the rich
would be treated differently than the poor.
The disciples were surprised at Jesus’s teaching
about the impossibility of the rich entering the kingdom of heaven.
Jesus turned all these expectations on their ear. (PSG, p. 73)
Last week, we learned that no one gets to heaven
based on their position or possessions.
Today’s passage emphasizes
God’s goodness and grace as He offers salvation to all.