New Testament: Matt 20.11–12

To read the Bible in a year, read Matthew 20.17–34 on January 29, In the year of our Lord Christ 2020

By Don Ruhl

Jesus spoke a parable of a vineyard owner who hired laborers, and paid all of them the same amount, although they were hired at different times of the day. The first ones hired saw the last ones hired paid the same amount of money that the first ones had agreed to receive, but since they had worked longer, they expected to be paid more. Jesus said:

“And when they had received it, they complained against the landowner, saying, ‘These last men have worked only one hour, and you made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the heat of the day.’”

– Matthew 20.11–12

Whether you think the first workers should have been paid more is beside the point. They had made an agreement with the landowner and he kept his end of the deal, and so did they, until they complained. They also failed to realize that he could do as he pleased.

Some people say that Jesus was a socialist, but a socialist would never put up with this sort of thing. Jesus was not a socialist. Do not try to fit Him into your way of thinking or your favorite political party. He is the King of heaven and earth and will do as He pleases.

Questions:

• When you find that your opinion differs from what the Lord says, what do you do?
• Do you have a spirit of contentment?

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