A Generous God

You probably have heard many sermons on our text from Mathew. Some of those sermons may have focused on the assumption that the owner would never be able to hire anyone for the next day’s work, at least not until late in the day. While I do not think that would be true – the people who worked only an hour may be more than willing to work a full day in thanksgiving for what he had done. But that is not the point. May I remind you that this is a parable. Jesus used parables to teach his followers (we are included in this) a lesson about the kingdom of heaven. He gives that away by telling us that the, “Kingdom of heaven is like…” As with many of Jesus’ parables there are several things we can learn from it.

We are first reminded that there is work to be done in the kingdom of Heaven. We are not to sit idly and watch the world go by. Instead we are called to help bring in the harvest. While our tasks may vary we are all called to work. Sometimes, as Paul reminds us, that task is to suffer. What we are reminded of here is that when God calls people into his kingdom he calls them to work. The second point that Jesus makes here is that there is always room for others to work and so he invites everyone who is willing to come in and work in the kingdom. There is no entrance exam or penalty for being tardy. All are welcomed to come and work. There are plenty of jobs to do. Even a job that fits your skills and gifts. But, then, you already know that. The primary message here is about the reward you will receive for the job.

Jesus first spoke the parable to the Jews of his time. They were complaining that Jesus was inviting those who were not faithful Jews, those who had not kept the law. They were  tax collectors and sinners, people who did not keep the law faithfully. They were not worthy of God’s gifts. They wanted them to work longer and prove there faithfulness before they are rewarded. Besides, those who had followed the law all their life deserved more than those newcomers. It is obvious is it not? Those who worked the longest and the hardest should get the greater reward. Not in the kingdom of heaven. There, no matter what your work history is you will receive the same reward as everyone else – eternal life. Not that we really deserve it –  our work in the kingdom has been spotty at best.

We learn this from Jonah. He did not think Ninevah deserved to be saved. Therefor he refused to accept the work that God had called him to. No matter how hard he tried to run away from his call, God kept after him until he relented and went to Ninevah and called on them to repent. When they did Jonah became angry because God did not destroy them. He had decided the reward (and punishment) that the people of Ninevah deserved instead of rejoicing that they had repented. 

Which of the workers are you? Are you one who has come late into the field and rejoices with what God has given you? Or are you one of the Jonahs that begrudge God’s generosity and grumble at what others have received? Pray that you will be grateful with what God has given and for the strength to return to the vineyard day after day to work for God using your gifts and skills to show God’s love to the world.