Matthew 20:1-16

The parable of the workers in the vineyard.

First off, don’t whine about ANYTHING, EVER.

OK, there’s more here to glean than that.

The God who Jesus revealed is lavish. He is extremely generous, full of grace–rewarding those who have earned no reward–which is you and me. In the kingdom of God, or the “KOG”, we do not care that all receive the same coin for differing amounts of labor, for what is that coin but Christ Himself and the forgiveness of all sins? What more do you want? In the KOG, one who started work in the morning could actually argue that they are “paid” more simply due to the fact that they have been under a gracious Lord’s employ longer than those who started working later. Instead of feeling somehow wronged, they realize that they have simply had the privilege of enjoying the one coin–Christ Himself–which is all that is desired, for longer in this life.

It is wicked to wrong God; but still worse to think oneself wronged by God. And men think this oftener than one would suppose.  -J.A. Bengel

 

Matthew 20:20-28

What if we changed our language and replaced the word “leader” with “servant” or “steward?” House Church servant, small group steward, youth servant, worship servant, Bible study steward, etc.

Matthew 20:29-34

Seek to truly understand others’ needs thru asking direct questions. Leave nothing to assumption.

Proverbs 20:5

Ministry involves loving and studying others in order to see their true needs, pray for them accurately, and serve them well.

Proverbs 20:24

The Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way? You can connect the dots later.

The ways, mind, and heart of God

Are certainly mysterious

“My plans are not your plans”

But remember this

That everything I do I do in love

To bring you closer to me

No matter what you’re problems or

Circumstances happen to be

–Tourniquet (one of the greatest Christian metal bands of all time)