Transformed In Our Spirit
September 5, 2021Text: Matthew 20:1-16
Have you ever wondered, “is this worth it?”
Matthew 19:27-30
They would not be the only ones to ask something like this:
- John the Baptist – Matthew 11:2-3
- Elijah – 1 Kings 19:4
Life’s circumstances do not always make sense to our limited view of the situation.
So Jesus offers an answer and a story to help lift their spirits.
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The
Matthew 19:27-30
So Jesus says two things.
- First, Jesus says every sacrifice will not go unrewarded.
- Then, Jesus explains that the when, the how, the what, and the why for the rewards may not be what we imagine.
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The
Jesus tells a parable.
- He Recruits Workers
Luke 19:10 | 2 Peter 3:9 | Ezekiel 33:11 | 1 Timothy 2:4 | Ezekiel 18:23
Proverbs 11:30 | James 5:20 | Luke 14:23
- He Rewards with Wages
- He Responds to Whining
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The
The emphasis is not about the people or the rewards in the story. This parable is contrasting a right and wrong attitude in service.
Consider the attitude of the complaining workers:
- They compared themselves – 2 Corinthians 10:12
- They focused on the pay
- They were ungrateful
Now, consider the attitude of the master:
- Kind to hire them and others
- Gracious, because he gave each of them more than they deserve
- Urgent to harvest
- Fair in his rewards
- gentle in his response
The attitude was the focus.
To the end I stay the course
Whatever task both small and great
Trusting in no Earthly force
Faithful to both serve and wait
Have you been faithful? Is your spirit right?