March 12, 2010
KEEPING SCORE
Matthew 20:1-16
Merritt Onsa
Central Truth
Comparing ourselves to others gives us the wrong perspective of God’s provision and grace. In fact, His grace is so powerful and His mercy so far-reaching, that anyone—yes, anyone—who receives Him and believes in His name has the right to become a child of God (see John 1:12).
Key Verse | Matthew 20:11–12
“When they received it, they grumbled at the landowner, saying, ‘These last men have worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the scorching heat of the day.’” (Matthew 20:11-12)
Matthew 20:1-16
Laborers in the Vineyard
1 For the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. 2 After agreeing with the laborers for a denarius 1 20:2 A denarius was a day's wage for a laborer a day, he sent them into his vineyard. 3 And going out about the third hour he saw others standing idle in the marketplace, 4 and to them he said, ‘You go into the vineyard too, and whatever is right I will give you.’ 5 So they went. Going out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour, he did the same. 6 And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing. And he said to them, ‘Why do you stand here idle all day?’ 7 They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You go into the vineyard too.’ 8 And when evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last, up to the first.’ 9 And when those hired about the eleventh hour came, each of them received a denarius. 10 Now when those hired first came, they thought they would receive more, but each of them also received a denarius. 11 And on receiving it they grumbled at the master of the house, 12 saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’ 13 But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? 14 Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you. 15 Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?’ 2 20:15 Or is your eye bad because I am good? 16 So the last will be first, and the first last.”
Dive Deeper | Matthew 20:1-16
Reading Jesus’ parable, I’m troubled by the attitude of the workers who grumbled against the landowner’s generosity toward others. I can almost hear them saying, “That’s NOT fair!”
Yet, it shines a light on my own tendency to keep score—one for me, one for you, two for me, two for you—just to be sure everything’s fair. As a child, it was as simple as making sure my brother didn’t get more dessert than I. As an adult, it’s more complicated. I have no control over my friends who got married when I wished that I was the one getting married or whether someone has a better job, newer car, or nicer home. This scorekeeping attitude has often left me grumbling with envy and feelings of entitlement.
It’s easy, especially in Dallas, to look at others and notice their “plenty” or feel disappointed by my perceived “lack.” But it’s frankly not true. As Americans, we are wealthier than 99% of the world. (The fact that you’re reading this is proof that you have access to technology, electricity, and freedom that much of the world’s population can’t imagine.) How quickly I forget God’s abundant provision for my material needs when I’m busy comparing myself to others.
God has been more than generous when it comes to my emotional and spiritual needs as well. Before I knew Jesus, I believed God owed me. I thought I was a good person, but I consistently turned my back on Him and went my own way. God’s Word says those who sin against Him deserve death (Romans 6:23). God owed me nothing. But Jesus paid the price, through His death on the cross, for ALL my past, present, and future sins, including envy. His grace and generosity provided me with a different eternity. Funny how I’m not grumbling for things to be “fair” when I’m the one being given a gift I don’t deserve.
Thank you, Lord, for the gentle reminder that Your generosity, toward me AND OTHERS, is not to be overlooked or undervalued.
Discussion Questions
1. In what areas of your life do you find yourself “keeping score” about God has or has not given you compared to what He’s given others?
2. Have you confessed these feelings to God and shared them with someone who can pray for you to gain a greater understanding of His grace and provision? If not, will you make an effort to do so today?
3. What attitude(s) do you easily spot in others that are highly irritating to you? Have you ever considered that you might also be guilty of having the same attitude(s)?
4. Have you received Christ’s free gift of salvation? If not, and you have questions, who do you know that can answer your questions?
FAMILY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What is grace? (A gift you don’t deserve.)
2. How did the landowner show “grace” to the workers?
3. How would you feel if you were the workers who worked all day? How about if you were one of the last ones hired?
4. How can you give grace to others the way God gives grace to you?