25/11/11 Matthew 20-22
S: Matthew 20:1-16
O: This illustration, I think, shows the balance between grace and works. Each worker did have to respond to the vineyard owner's call to work. Each worker did have to work. However, the owner's own generosity meant that even those who worked less got the full wage.
In a similar way, those of us who faithfully follow Christ from childhood as well as those of us who come to Christ late in life, we all get rewarded with the full wage -- eternal life.
Now, it is also true that if we come to Christ early, we do reap the benefits in this life of having lived according to God's ways longer. But that's not the point Jesus was making in this illustration -- he was talking, I think, about salvation.
A: Whatever point we are at in our life, at whatever age, "now is the time of God's favour, now is the day of salvation!" (2 Corinthians 6:2)
P: Father, thank You for such a great salvation! In Jesus' name, amen.
Note: this is using the SOAP method. For more information, see this page (not written by me.)
Interesting perspective on this parable. I never thought about applying it to my own life in this way. I just thought about the Jewish perspective reckoning with the gospel.
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