"Take your pay and go. I want to give the man who was hired last the same as I gave you. ... Or are you envious because I am generous?"
(MATTHEW 20:14-15)

Matthew 20:1-16
The federal minimum wage was first established in the United States in 1938 to help ensure that employees earned livable wages. But wage laws do not prevent employers from paying more than the minimum.


Jesus told a parable in which workers negotiated a fair wage for a day’s labor in the vineyard. Later in the day, the owner hired additional laborers to also work in the vineyard. At the end of the day, all the workers received the same payment, despite the fact that some worked longer hours than others.


But this story is really not about fair wages. It’s about a heavenly Father who gives us more than we deserve. Since we cannot earn our salvation, we are dependent on the grace and generosity of God to give what only He can provide. The thief on the cross received the same salvation as Jesus’ disciples. Does that seem fair? No. But then, it wasn’t fair when Jesus died a torturous death to pay for our sins. God’s graciousness may not be “fair,” but in this case, fairness is highly overrated!



Scripture Focus

Matthew 20:1-16

Insight

DO YOU WANT GOD TO BE FAIR OR GRACIOUS? RECEIVE HIS GRACIOUS GIFT OF SALVATION AND THANK HIM THAT THERE'S NOTHING FAIR ABOUT IT!

Bible In A Year

  • Jeremiah 7-8
  • Psalm 107
  • Romans 5-6

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