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The Upside Down World, Week 8, Day 7

by David Joynt on November 04, 2017


MATTHEW 20:15-16


This parable teaches that God is generous to the undeserving. In the situation of Jesus’ ministry, this was crucial in two ways. First, the Gentiles to whom He reached out to were like the workers paid beyond their just desserts. God’s Jewish children had long suffered and endured, partly because they carried God’s name. Gentiles were new to the circle of grace and had not had to persevere through opposition. Jesus is condemning Jewish resentment about Gentile inclusion by “putting the last first”.

Second, we are reminded that God’s decision to place us in His vineyard and bless us is never deserved! We are all undeserving of His rewards, which are always out of proportion to our contributions and are always given despite our shortcomings.


Think about how the idea of unmerited favor, or grace, changes the character of the religious life.



FAMILY TIME— Families illustrate undeserved favor. Parents welcome and provide for children before the children can contribute anything to the family, and they do so despite the “cost” of kids. Talk about this.

Tags: blessing


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