Matthew 20:1-16
The Challenge of Discipleship Study 1: Grace
Focus Question: What surprises you about God’s grace?
Word of life
“[The landowner said], ‘Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or
are you envious because I am generous?’’” Matthew 20:15
Read Matthew 20:1-16
1. What are the surprises in this parable?
The whole issue here is fairness. The owner and the workers had an agreement (Greek
word symphoneo). The first workers were to be paid what was fair—a day’s wage (a
denarius). The owner promises to pay the others hired “whatever is right” (20:4). To the
surprise of all, they are also paid a denarius.
Is this fair? The first hired don’t think so. The owner responds to their complaint: “Am I not
allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am
generous?” (A more literal translation would be, “Or is your eye evil because I am good?”
20:15)
2. Was the landowner fair?
3. Was he required to be fair?
The generosity of the landowner goes against what is seen to be fair. Similarly, God
insists on acting out of grace. Fair or not, God gives all things freely. The words
beginning and ending this parable challenge disciples of every age. In God’s kingdom,
“the last will be first, and the first … last.” (19:30, 20:16)
4. Is God “fair” in God’s generosity? Why or why not?
5. If God was fair and gave each person what he or she deserved, what would that
mean for you?
The Greek word for “friend” used in the parable (20:13) is only used three times in the New
Testament – all in the Gospel of Matthew. 22:1-14; Matthew 26:50). In all three, the word
suggests a relationship in which the hearer has very nearly offended or scorned the
speaker. (Translating the word, “Look, pal,” might more aptly convey the tone of the word.)
As the first laborers grumble about the unfairness of their employer, the landowner
reminds them, “Look, pal, I agreed to pay you a denarius, and that’s what you were paid.”
The challenge for the workers who endured the day’s labor is the owner’s seemingly unfair
generosity.
6. How is the reaction of the laborers typical or atypical?
7. With which group of laborers do you most identify? Why?
Jesus begins this parable, “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner. . .” Take a
moment to ponder the kingdom of heaven.
8. How is the kingdom of heaven like the landowner?
9. Complete this sentence: “For the kingdom of heaven is like. . . “.
Word among us
Our whole working lives are based on an agreement that offers fair wage—we do
something in order to get something. In the world of work there is no such thing as a free
lunch.
1. At work, are people treated more with grace or justice? Explain.,
2. Tell this parable with modern-day images.
It’s no wonder we struggle with God’s grace. Without counting the cost, God continues to
give unmerited love. There is something inherently unfair in the whole idea of grace. Is it
fair that, “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us”? Is it fair that the gift is for all of
us, active members, attending every workday at the church, every worship service, and
also for those of us who may be inactive members, seekers, or “back-sliders”?
Remarkably--for us, for all of us, “God so loved the world....”
3. How do you explain grace to another person?
4. How have you been able to receive the gift of God’s grace in your life?
It’s just not fair, this grace upon grace. It’s just not fair, and thank God it’s not!
5. What in this parable do you find challenging as a disciple of Jesus?
6. How might you extend grace in the coming week?
Prayer
Gracious God, grant us your grace. Amen
Dig Deeper
Last word
This week, give
God’s grace away
—on purpose.