The Parable of the Vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16)

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We welcome Mr. Roy Kim to our pulpit while Pastor Paul Lindemulder enjoys a week off. In Matthew 20:1-16, Jesus tells the parable of the workers in the vineyard. This parable challenges our sense of fairness and exposes the radical nature of God’s grace. A vineyard owner hires workers at different times throughout the day, yet pays them all the same wage. Those hired first grumble, feeling cheated, but the owner reminds them that he gave them exactly what he promised. God’s grace is unearned and generous—It’s not based on merit or how long we’ve worked. Those who arrive late (like the thief on the cross) receive the same reward as lifelong believers because salvation is a gift, not a paycheck. Our pride blinds us to grace—The first workers represent those who feel entitled to more because of their perceived efforts. Their complaint shows a heart that values comparison and fairness over gratitude. Ultimately, this parable flips human values upside down. It invites us to rejoice in the generosity of God, rather than resent it, because none of us deserves his grace in the first place.