Today, our gospel message comes to us from 20th chapter of Matthew, beginning with the 1st verse, “The parable of the vineyard workers.”
Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”
Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.
“Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold was brought to him. Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.
“At this the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.
“But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins. He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded.
“His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.’
“But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened.
“Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.
“This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.” (Matthew 20:1-16, NIV)
Heavenly Father, you sent your Son to reveal your will for our lives and redeem us from sin and death. Through the power of your Holy Spirit, inspire us with confidence that you are with us amid the storms of life, bring peace to our troubled souls, and lead your church throughout the ages. Enable us to live as your redeemed saints, that our lives may witness to our faith. This we ask in Christ’s holy name. Amen.
Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”
Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.
“Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold was brought to him. Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.
“At this the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.
“But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins. He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded.
“His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.’
“But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened.
“Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.
“This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.” (Matthew 20:1-16, NIV)
Heavenly Father, you sent your Son to reveal your will for our lives and redeem us from sin and death. Through the power of your Holy Spirit, inspire us with confidence that you are with us amid the storms of life, bring peace to our troubled souls, and lead your church throughout the ages. Enable us to live as your redeemed saints, that our lives may witness to our faith. This we ask in Christ’s holy name. Amen.
“The Extravagant Grace of God”
by Kenny Sallee, ThM
by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Dear friends,
Today, I want to share the Good News of Jesus Christ through the lens of a powerful parable in Matthew 20:1-16—The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard. In this story, we find surprising lessons that teach us about the essence of God’s Kingdom and the lavish grace He offers to each one of us.
The Story Unfolds: An Unusual Day in the Vineyard
In this parable, Jesus describes a landowner who hires workers for his vineyard at different times throughout the day. Some start early in the morning, others at noon, and some even as late as the eleventh hour. Yet, at the end of the day, each worker receives the same wage. The ones who worked all day grumble, but the landowner asks them, "Are you envious because I am generous?"
God’s Invitation is For Everyone
The first piece of Good News here is that God’s invitation is open to everyone, regardless of when they come to faith in Jesus Christ. Whether you've known Christ all your life, or you're hearing about Him for the first time today, His arms are open wide to welcome you into His kingdom.
God’s Grace Defies Human Logic
The workers who were hired first couldn't understand why they were paid the same as those who were hired last. In the same way, we often find God's grace perplexing. How can God forgive and accept someone who turns to Him late in life as much as someone who has served Him for years? It's because God's grace isn't about what we deserve; it's about His love, mercy, and the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross for all of us.
Breaking Free from the Trap of Comparison
The workers who were hired first fell into the trap of comparing themselves to others. Friends, comparison is a joy-stealer. When we compare, we can't fully appreciate the grace God has extended to us. The Good News is that God offers His grace freely to all. Instead of comparing, let's focus on the incredible gift that we've all been given.
Your Response to God’s Extravagant Grace
The message of this parable leads us to a point of decision. Will you accept the extravagant grace God offers you today? You don't have to earn it; you don't have to prove yourself worthy of it. All you have to do is accept it.
So, if you feel like you’re an eleventh-hour worker, remember that in God’s vineyard, it’s never too late. His grace is sufficient for you. And if you've been faithfully walking with Jesus, be reminded that God's grace is your reward too. Let us celebrate God's wonderful grace, not just for ourselves but for everyone who accepts His invitation.
Will you respond to His call today?
In Jesus Christ, we find the fulfillment of all that this parable promises: unparalleled grace, mercy, and a love that defies human understanding.
Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift. Amen.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for the lessons of Your kingdom, so beautifully illustrated in the parable of the vineyard workers. Lord, Your ways are not our ways, and Your generosity transcends all human understanding.
Father, we acknowledge that we often come to You with a sense of entitlement, thinking we deserve more because of our efforts, time, or sacrifices. Forgive us, Lord, for missing the point of Your grace—freely given, unearned, and extended to all. Help us to accept Your grace not as a wage that we've earned, but as a gift that You delight to give.
We pray for the wisdom to extend this same grace to others, to celebrate their blessings without envy, and to understand that Your love knows no bounds or limitations. Teach us to be messengers of Your grace in a world that often operates on merit and competition. Help us to be open-hearted, just as You are, so that others may see Your reflection in our lives.
Thank you, God, for inviting us into Your vineyard, no matter the hour. Thank you for the assurance that it is never too late to turn to You. Your generosity knows no end, and for that, we are eternally grateful.
May we live each day in the spirit of gratitude and humility, ever mindful of the Generosity of Your Grace. We offer this prayer in the precious name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Scripture is taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Message by Kenny Sallee, ThM.
Today, I want to share the Good News of Jesus Christ through the lens of a powerful parable in Matthew 20:1-16—The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard. In this story, we find surprising lessons that teach us about the essence of God’s Kingdom and the lavish grace He offers to each one of us.
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