Read: Matthew 20:1-16
I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you. (v. 14 NIV)
Human nature can be remarkably predictable. I am completely content with my phone, car, house, wardrobe, or countless other possessions until I see someone “less deserving” who has the same things or even better ones. Then my jealousy kicks in!
Jesus told a story about groups of workers who worked for varying numbers of hours during the day and were all paid a denarius—a standard day’s wage—what the ones who worked all day had been promised. Had they all received merely 1/12 of a denarius, as if they’d all worked only one out the twelve-hour workday, they would’ve had a right to be upset. But Jesus levels the playing field in the opposite direction. He recounts how the foreman gave everyone as much as the most productive and longest-working people earn. That’s a powerful illustration of God’s grace.
Why is it we can’t be happy when God chooses to be amazingly generous with others? The story is told of a professor who graciously gave extensions on papers throughout a semester every time he was asked, except for the final paper. Students complained how unfair that was. He responded that if they wanted him to be fair, he would fail all those who hadn’t turned earlier papers in on time! We must never ask God to be fair; because of our sins, that’s asking for damnation!
As you pray, thank God for his amazing grace in not giving you what you deserved.
Craig L. Blomberg is the Distinguished Professor Emeritus of New Testament at Denver Seminary. He has written or edited more than 30 books, including a recently revised and expanded commentary on Matthew. He teaches regularly in churches, including his home church of Centennial Covenant in Littleton, CO. He and his wife Fran have two daughters and three grandchildren.
