Matthew 20: Calvary in Sight (2)
Pray Psalm 23.6.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD
Forever.
Sing Psalm 23.6.
The Gift of Love: Though I May Speak with Bravest Fire
Goodness and mercy, full and free, shall ever after follow me,
and in the house of God, my LORD, shall I abide forevermore!
Read Matthew 20.1-16; meditate on verses 8-16.
Was the owner being fair? Why or why not?
Prepare.
1. How did the owner of the vineyard describe his action?
2. Why were some of the workers upset?
Meditate.
A comment from C. S. Lewis can perhaps help us put this parable into its proper perspective. In his essay, “The Weight of Glory,” Lewis wrote, “The promises of Scripture may very roughly be reduced to five heads. It is promised (1) that we shall be with Christ; (2) that we shall be like Him; (3) with an enormous wealth of imagery, that we shall have ‘glory’; (4) that we shall, in some sense, be fed or feasted or entertained; and (5) that we shall have some sort of official position in the universe—ruling cities, judging angels, being pillars of God’s temple.” There’s nothing new here for believers. These are things we look forward to with hope and joy.
But it’s what Lewis wrote next that helps us understand the owner’s action in paying his laborers: “The first question I ask about these promises is ‘Why any one of them except the first?’” When we realize the first and greatest promise of our salvation—to be with Christ without obstruction or interruption, in perfect peace and joy forever—why would we even care about the others?
There are good reasons, of course, and Lewis sketches them out. But his follow-up comment here is the point of Jesus’ parable. It doesn’t matter whether we come to faith in Jesus early or late. Or if our life in Jesus has been easy or hard, long or brief, fraught with trials or paved with ease. The reward for all who believe in Jesus, and who are faithful in the works He appoints to them, is the same: Jesus! What more could we ask than that? And who of us will begrudge anyone that same privilege and eternal joy? Only the most selfish of heart would wish to have others stand in line behind them when Jesus is handing out the reward of Himself.
All who are chosen and called will respond to the assignment to work; and all they will share with equal joy and satisfaction in the one great reward of Jesus.
What a day that will be!
Treasure Old and New: Matthew 13.52; Psalm 119.162
Imagine, as an exercise, the people, places, or things you love the best on earth.
Would you rather spend one moment or a lifetime with them?
They baffle me, these workers.
They willingly and happily signed up for the job at the pay grade offered.
They were allowed to work a full day for this boss who hired them.
And then they had the audacity to think they deserved more?
They remind one a bit of the elder brother of the prodigal son (see Lk. 15.11-32).
He was still going to receive what was coming to him, he just didn’t like all the rejoicing over the Wayward.
Or of Peter, who was troubled about John’s role in the Kingdom and what his fate would be. As Jesus said to him: “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me” (Jn. 21.22).
The ungrateful workers, the complaining son, and even dear Peter (and perhaps us?),
bring to mind Paul’s words regarding those who “suppress the truth”:
“…because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them.
For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen,
being understood by the things that are made,
even His eternal power and Godhead,
so that they are without excuse, because,
although they knew God,
they did not glorify Him as God,
nor were thankful,
but became futile in their thoughts,
and their foolish hearts were darkened” (Rom. 1.18-21).
Darkened, foolish, unthankful hearts, lacking in appreciation for even being hired to work.
Worrying about others’ payment or workload and missing the entire point of delirious joy in our Savior.
Experiencing Him: For as long as we can, and as much as we can.
“For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand” elsewhere (Ps. 84.10).
Contemplate one day on earth without knowing Jesus.
How pointless, how loveless, how lost, how bereft…
“I’d rather be alone with Jesus, than in a crowd without Him.” (anon.)
I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold, I’d rather be His than have riches untold;
I’d rather have Jesus than houses or lands, I’d rather be led by His nail-pierced hand
Than to be the king of a vast domain and be held in sin’s dread sway;
I’d rather have Jesus than anything this world affords today.
I’d rather have Jesus than men’s applause, I’d rather be faithful to His dear cause;
I’d rather have Jesus than worldwide fame, I’d rather be true to His holy Name
Than to be the king of a vast domain and be held in sin’s dread sway;
I’d rather have Jesus than anything this world affords today.
(Rhea F. Miller, 1922)
For a lifetime and longer I choose to belong to Jesus and work in His Kingdom.
And really, if you think about it, we should be paying Him for the privilege to do so.
Reflect.
1. Why should we be grateful for the work Jesus has given us to do?
2. Jesus is our reward for believing and obeying Him. Why is He enough?
3. “Contemplate one day on earth without knowing Jesus.” Why would you not want to be there?
Christ only meant to say that every one who has been called before others ought to run with so much the greater alacrity, and, next, to exhort all men to be modest, not to give themselves the preference above others, but willingly to share with them a common prize. John Calvin (1509-1564), Commentary on Matthew 20.8-16
Pray Psalm 23.1-5.
Seek the Lord’s Presence for your journey today, and thank Him for the eternal Presence that awaits in glory.
Sing Psalm 23.1-5.
The Gift of Love: Though I May Speak with Bravest Fire
Because the LORD my Shepherd is I shall not want, for I am His!
He makes me lie in pastures green, He leads by waters, cool, serene.
My soul He quickens and will bless; He leads in paths of righteousness.
Though I may walk through death’s dark vale, I shall not fear—He will not fail!
The LORD is ever by my side; His rod and staff with me abide.
A table rich for me He spreads; with oil my LORD anoints my head.
T. M. and Susie Moore
If you have found this meditation helpful, take a moment to give thanks to God. Then share what you learned with a friend. This is how the grace of God spreads (2 Cor. 4.15).
Other columns of interest: This week: Our Read Moore podcast continues readings from the book, The Joy and Rejoicing of My Heart. Our Crosfigell teaching letter is pursuing a series on the spiritual poetry of the Celtic Revival. The ReVision column is working through a study of the role of reason in the life of faith. Click here to see all the other columns and writers available to you.
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Except as indicated, all Scriptures are taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing are from The Ailbe Psalter.
