Parables of Jesus: The Workers in the Vineyard

Please read Matthew 20:1-16 and use these notes to prepare for Sunday morning worship.
Sermon Focus: Parables of Jesus – The Laborers in the Vineyard
Key Verse: ”‘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.’ But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what belongs to you and go; I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you.” (Matthew 20:12-14)  Imagine you were one of those hired to work at the beginning of the day. Would you have been “grumbling against the householder” who hired you when you received your wages? Why or why not?  Imagine you were one of those hired to work just before the end of the day. How would you have reacted to receiving a denarius – a full day’s wage – for such a short amount of work?  Do you think the householder offers sufficient explanation and justification or the payments he gives? Why or why not? Ever-living, ever-giving God: may your Sprit move us to act with generosity, being especially generous toward those who have little in a world where others have too much. Make us restless for a world where, as in your kingdom to come, all have what they need to live. Stir us to make changes, beginning in our own lives, for the sake and glory of Jesus Christ. Amen.