“‘I want to give the man who was hired last the same as I gave to you. Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?’”

Matthew 20:14b-15
In an effort to maintain law and order, prison wardens strive to ensure equality for the inmates. Painstakingly created schedules for each cell house are strictly followed. But the slightest deviation from the calendar or the clock will lead to grumblings of “That’s not fair!”
Jesus had again amazed His followers, this time by saying that those who seem blessed today aren’t necessarily blessed forever, and ditto for the “cursed.” Peter, as usual, was the first to speak up. He, like the other disciples and like all Israel, counted on being honored on earth as well as in heaven. Were they mistaken? To this, Christ taught through a parable that while God is not bound by human standards of “fairness,” He is perfectly just (see Isaiah 55:6-9).
Peter eventually came to love God’s prodigal grace, which gives a “faith of equal standing” to every Christian (2 Peter 1:1), even to curse-deserving felons like myself. There may be much unfairness in this world, but aren’t you glad the Lord has not treated us as our sins deserve?



Scripture Focus

Matthew 20:14b-15

Insight

The Lord is far more generous than we can ever imagine. Let’s invite others to share in His riches!

Bible In A Year

  • Exodus 29-30
  • Psalm 40
  • Luke 4

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