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Daily Devotions

Matthew

Matthew 
Day 
Day 258

Anticipation of the First Set of Workers

Text: Matthew 20 : 1 - 16

As the first set of workers watched how the rest were paid, they thought that they would surely receive much more, for had they not laboured far longer in the vineyard than the others? They were in for a surprise!

“And when the first came, they supposed that they would
receive more; and they likewise received each a denarius.
And when they received it, they complained against
the landowner, saying, ‘These last men have worked
only one hour, and you have made them equal to us
who have borne the burden and the heat of the day.’ ”
MATTHEW 20:10-12

The number of features that made the first set of workers stand out against the rest.

1. They wanted to work under determined conditions

This set of workers sought to “protect” themselves. Lest they be “cheated” by their employer, they worked out how much they would be paid for a full day’s work!

2. They thought they were worth more

This was the underlying thought when they worked out the wage agreement even before they started work. They figured that they must be paid what they were worth – a full day’s wages!

3. They had a complaining spirit

They were conscious of the number of hours they worked. They were conscious of the heat of the sun. They were conscious of the fact that other workers came to work in the vineyard at a very late hour!

MORE THAN JUST THE LOGIC OF THE LANDOWNER

The dispute concerning wages was resolved by the landowner himself. His logic was impeccable! But more than his logic must be appreciated!

“But he answered one of them and said,
‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree
with me for a denarius? Take what is yours and go your way.
I wish to give to this last man the same as you.
Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things?
Or is your eye evil because I am good? ‘ ”
MATTHEW 20:13-15

1. No Wrong on the part of the landowner

The landowner reminded the first set of labourers that they had an agreement as to what was to be paid to them. He had not done injustice to them! He had fulfilled his part! He had paid them the wages that had been agreed upon!

2. The Prerogative of the Landowner

The landowner had every right to determine what to do with his money! He had to put the labourers in their place! Who were they to complain against the landowner?

3. The Good Heart of the Landowner

The landowner’s heart and that of the first of labourers were well contrasted! The difference was stark indeed! Whereas the landowner was good, the heart of the first set of labourers was evil!

FEW CHOSEN!

The disciples had done well in responding as they did when they heard the call of Jesus! They had continued with Jesus for three years now! However as they interacted with Jesus, certain areas of weaknesses began to show up. These areas of weaknesses if not corrected could prove their undoing in years to come! Thus Jesus had to direct this parable to His own disciples!

“So the last will be first, and the first last.
For many are called, but few chosen.”
MATTHEW 20:16

1. Hidden Dangers Even in Ministry

Several hidden dangers had to be highlighted and emphasized! Perhaps the highlighting of these dangers would help the disciples avoid deadly pitfalls in ministry.

a) The secularist approach to ministry

The first set of labourers well represented the secularist approach to ministry. Work was done with the idea of wages in mind! This may seem “normal and practical” and yet hidden within this approach is the tendency of being just like the world!

b) Failure to understand and appreciate the ministry of God

If a proper understanding and appreciation of the ministry of God is in place, then the secularist approach is rendered redundant! On the other hand if there isn’t a proper understanding of the ministry of God, then a defective and weak approach to service will emerge!

2. Great Challenges in Ministry

To those who have a deeper understanding of ministry, serving God provides many challenges. Just to be able to serve at all brings gratitude and joy! To be called is a thrill, and to be found among the chosen is reward enough!

Few are chosen! What solemn words from the lips of Jesus! How the heart must be stirred to check itself again and again of its worthiness to serve in God’s vineyard!