Wednesday: 20^th Week in Ordinary Time-A

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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