Matthew 20:1-16
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. As you breathe in, say the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
In today’s passage Jesus uses a parable to illustrate the “Kingdom of God” mindset. Read Matthew 20:1-16 noting anything that stands out to you.
Paradigms are difficult to shift, because once we begin to view the world through a particular frame, it takes multiple inputs to adjust the picture so we can see things the way they were meant to be. With the story of the workers, Jesus patiently persists in deconstructing the disciple’s notion that they can somehow earn their way into the Kingdom of God.
It doesn’t matter how long or hard the workers work the land; the landowner alone decides how and to whom the reward will be given. It’s a picture of pure grace.
Take some time to sit with the idea that there is nothing you can do, good or bad, that will make Jesus love you more or less than he does right now. As you contemplate this, imagine the pure grace of God pouring over you.
Read Matthew 20:1-16 again through the “frame” of pure grace.
The workers in this parable see the situation through a transactional mindset in which the reward should match the effort. What they seem to be missing is that the reward is not their pay at the end of the day, but the privilege of being part of the work.
If we are following Jesus as a means to an end (heaven or eternal life, for instance), we are really missing the main point. The journey of following Jesus is transformational rather than transactional. By being with Jesus and being involved in his restorative work in the world, we are, ourselves, restored to become the people God intends us to be. Eternal life is life in the presence of Jesus.
For the last minutes of this time of reflection, meditate again on the words of the Apostle Paul – a person who experienced the unmerited favor of Jesus in a profound way:
“…whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.” – 2 Corinthians 3:16-18
Now take a moment to express your thoughts and feelings to Jesus, and then take time to listen to him.
What might Jesus be saying to you today?
How will you respond to that?
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The Everyday Jesus Follower’s Guide ebook can help you learn how to recognize God's voice, how to read and understand the Bible, how to develop deep spiritual friendships, and how to become the person you were meant to be. Use it alone, with a friend or in a small group.
