READING: Exodus 23-24, Matthew 20:1-16
“So the last will be first, and the first last.”
Matthew 20:16
If I work more hours than others, frankly, I expect more pay. I don’t think that’s illogical, either, since that’s the way it works in our culture. That’s only fair.
Apparently, that’s the way it worked in the culture of Jesus’ day, too. He likened the kingdom of heaven to a landowner who paid the same wages to those who worked all day long and to those who worked only one hour. The first laborers in His story didn’t like the unfairness in that arrangement, and they expressed their discontent: “These last men put in one hour, and you made them equal to us who bore the burden of the day and the burning heat!” (Matt. 20:12). Jesus reminded them that the landowner gave them what he had promised, and it was his right to give the other laborers whatever he wished. Anyone who objected to that right was likely only bearing jealousy and envy.
In the kingdom of heaven, all of us receive whatever we receive solely because of the grace of God. While the Scriptures speak of rewards in heaven (see, e.g., 1 Cor. 3:14-15), none of us is more deserving than others to be there in the first place. As sinners who’ve rejected our Creator, we’re all on level ground (sinking ground, that is) apart from God’s grace. He who first enters the kingdom of God is no more worthy than he who enters the kingdom last; the one who enters the kingdom last means just as much to the Redeemer as the one who entered first. None of that is unfair, for “fair” would be God’s not allowing us to be in His presence at all.
I’m reminded as I read this story about my grandma on my mother’s side. She died at a young age, and I was out of the country when she passed away. I learned, though, that she chose to turn to Christ not long before she died. I don’t know if she followed Him for minutes, for hours, for days, or for weeks, but that doesn’t matter. Grandma’s later entry into the kingdom doesn’t change the fact that God welcomed her at the end of her earthly journey.
I may have served Him now for more than 40 years, but Grandma and I are equally dependent on God’s grace. I’m just grateful that He will let us both be there – to be together again. That’s what the kingdom of heaven is like.
ACTION STEPS:
- Evaluate your heart: do you ever get jealous of others who receive more recognition than you think they deserve?
- Spend some time thanking God for His grace today.
PRAYER: “God, I praise You for the grace You extend to us, regardless of when we turn to You.”
TOMORROW'S READING: Exodus 25-26, Matthew 20:17-34
