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Laborers In The Vineyard

Pastor Kevin Rutledge - 3/5/2023 10:00 AM

In this second week of our sermon series, "The Ways of the Kingdom," we turn our attention to the parable found in Matthew 20:1-16. This parable, traditionally known as the Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard, tells the story of a landowner who hires workers for his vineyard throughout the day, and then pays them all the same amount at the end of the day, regardless of how long they had worked.

This parable challenges our ideas of fairness and justice. We may be tempted to think that those who worked longer hours should be paid more, but in the Kingdom of God, it is not about what we deserve or earn. It is about the generosity and grace of God.

Scripture:

  • First Reading: Psalm 16
  • Second Reading: Matthew 20:1-16

This Week's Reading Plan

Day: Reading:
Monday Upcoming Suffering: Matthew 20:17-19
Tuesday A Mother’s Request: Matthew 20:20-23
Wednesday The Servant Leader: Matthew 20:24-28
Thursday Moved with Compassion: Matthew 20:29-34
Friday David’s Heir: 2 Samuel 7:12-13
Saturday Son of David: Matthew 1:1
Sunday The Wedding Banquet: Matthew 22:1-14

Reflections and Caring Conversations

Please use the prompts and prayers below to aid you in your devotions for this week.

  • Scripture Verse for the Week: "The last will be first, and the first will be last." ~ Matthew 20:16

  • Mealtime Prayer: Generous God, you give us the grapes to make wine and the fruit to eat. Be with us as nourish our bodies with the gifts of your harvest so that we can be faithful laborers in your world. Amen.

  • Thinking about This Week’s Story: In the story that Jesus tells, some of the workers did not think it was fair that everyone got paid the same, even the workers that did not work all day. What happened to you today that seemed fair? What happened that seemed unfair?

  • Getting Ready for Next Week’s Story: Did you receive an invitation today? Maybe you were invited to eat lunch with someone or share in class or at work? Did you accept their invitation? If not, why?

  • Prayer for the Week: Lord God, through your love you have called us to work in your world. Free us from being bound up in what is fair or in who is working more, or less, or even not at all. Above all, may we always live your love in our daily lives. Amen.

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