Matthew 20:16
"So the last will be first, and the first will be last."
This statement is the final piece of Jesus' parable about the workers in the vineyard. The workers hired at the end of the day are paid first, and are paid the same amount as those who had worked since morning. So one way to read this would be, "Things will even-out in the end, and God will make sure each gets what was promised them." When we accept Christ as our Saviour, we are promised life with Him for all eternity. But we are not promised anything about what the journey will entail. We are not promised freedom from pain or suffering. But we will have what we were promised.
Holy Lord, I live with your promise in my heart. I know you are fair and will keep your promise. You sent Jesus to live it out for us. I am thankful. Amen
Becky, transforming
Pic by Kay
Friday, June 30th, 2023
Matthew 20:16
So the last will be first, and the first last.”
I needed to definitely read the prior verses to under the meaning of this one verse. And it was not about the laborers in the field. Jesus told this story to help his people understand a basic truth: God is generous, and his gifts of salvation and eternal life are available to anyone who believes in him and trusts him—whether that belief comes at the beginning of a long life or just moments before someone dies. So our goal as disciples is to value things now as God does. Our job as disciples is to keep searching and including the lost, the last, …
Matthew 20:16
You really have to read verses 1-15 that preceded 16. As far as fairness goes, everyone received what had been promised. It is interesting that they were paid in reverse order, so the workers knew that no matter how long or short a day they worked, all were paid the same. Perhaps this translates to the cross where at his last breath, the thief believes and knows he will be in paradise with Jesus. The same gift those who always followed Jesus would receive. Is that fair? According to Jesus—yes it is!
Prayer: gracious God, thank you for this reminder to stop worrying about being first in line. Jesus will know my heart when it’s time. Amen
Matthew 20:16 Jesus laid out what has been lately called “servant leadership” in this parable to another shocked audience. This was not just a thought-provoking story. Our Savior was teaching a way of living and He proved He meant it when He was dying. This parable always makes me think of the thief on the Cross beside Jesus who realized Jesus was Messiah and asked to accompany Him into His kingdom. Jesus’ shocking answer was, “Today you will be with me in paradise.” It is never too late to turn one’s life over to Christ. Jesus sees our heart. Our role as servant leaders is to help prepare the hearts of all who do not believe to receive the Holy Spirit…