Monday 20 August 2018


Wednesday: 20th Week in Ordinary Time-B
I Reading: Ezekiel 34:1-11: I am going to take my flock back from them and I shall not allow them to feed it.
Gospel: Matthew 20:1-16: Why be envious because I am generous.
The Parable of Workers in the Vineyard: God’s Glorious Grace
Jesus shows the marvellous grace of God in salvation, in giving eternal life in this passage.
1. God’s grace provides work for man-a field to tend or look after (v.1)
2. God’s grace seeks and calls men to work (v.1-7)
a. The early call: To the willing and eager
          1) Shown grace: promised a full wage
          2) Sent into the field
b. The late-comer call: to the idle-slothful-self-seeking-complacent
          1) Shown grace: A forceful challenge and a promise of a just wage
          2) Some responded
c. The constant call: to all-shows constant grace
d. The final call: the eleventh hour call-to the idle
          1) He strongly rebuked
          2) They excuse themselves
          3) They showed grace: a forceful challenge and the promise of a just wage
3. God’s grace pays the promised wages: at the appointed time, at the end of the day (v.8-15)
a. Paid through his foreman
b. Paid out of a heart of care and grace
          1) Cared and showed grace to the late comers: a full wage
          2) Cared and showed grace to the eager workers: a full wage
c. Pay is not based on works and energy: illustrated by the eager workers who murmured over the same pay
          1) Pay is gracious and just: a full wage as promised
          2) Pay is based on God’s care for all: for the last as well as for the first
d. Pay is not as man sees (evil, selfish eyes): Pay is as God’s wills-He is good
4. God’s justice will reign in paying what he promised (v.16).
Thought: Jesus not only condemns riches, unbelievers, Pharisees, Sadducees, but also he condemns the ordinary workers those who are full of envy, jealousy, hatred and complains etc.

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