The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard

The labourers who worked longer feel as though they are entitled to more based on what “they,” thought they deserved. Often times as believers, we have the same mentality. Its important for us to check our hearts and uncover the real motive behind our mentalities. Your reward is the same as any other Christian who may be new in the faith compared to you who may have worked in the vineyard of the Gospel for numerous years.

Were the labours justified to feel slighted? No. Because the landowner agreed to pay them for the work done, not the time it took to do the work. In the Church this mentality of entitlement is apparent in the sense of position because of the “work” they’ve done. They aren’t working with the intent to love God or His people but a hidden motive. You don’t come to Church for opportunities, but to be saved and grow in holiness.

The race to gain the Kingdom of Heaven is not to the swift or to the strong, but the one who endures to the end. The last are first and the first are last. Peoples intents are skewed over a period of time because they look at their accomplishments and the toil it took to attain said accomplishments. People lean on their own opinions of what’s fair. People compare themselves to others.

We are all in this race of to win Christ together. Some labour longer, others don’t. Each of us has a calling and job to do to fulfill Jesus’ desires. But what is most important to the landowner/Jesus is the heart of each worker to do the work cheerfully. Many are called to do the work, but because they seek comparison with others and depend on their own understanding and become embittered by jealously, they disqualify themselves from being chosen. Many who push themselves to be first will be last and those willing to be last will be made first.

The Ambition of James & John & Disciples Jealousy

In the faith we ask Jesus sometimes things we want of Him, but we’re not willing to make sacrifices to obtain it. John and James didn’t understand the suffering Jesus was about to endure through His death. Their mother saw the glamour and prestige of ruler ship. Suffering always comes before the glory. Don’t ask for something you’re not willing to pay the price for.

The other 10 disciples became jealous and Jesus explained to them a better way. He said we are not to rule over each other oppressively and as tyrants, but become each others servants so that the universal quality of equality will naturally work itself out among us. Jesus set an example when He came to serve and to give, giving his life to save many.

Two Blind Men Healed

The blind men defied other people’s rebuke of them because they wanted to be healed. If we persist and cry out to the Lord, Jesus will come to us. In the aspect of spreading the Gospel and making Jesus name famous, we as Christians need to be as the blind men and persist in showing people the heart of Jesus and not religion, rules or regulations.

Summary

• Count the cost for your soul will be lost (20-23)
• Persist and you won’t miss your healing miracle (29-34)
• Work in the vineyard with
• Don’t judge kingdom matters with worldly standards (1-16)
• The Baptism in Christ comes with sacrifice (23)
• Entitlements can corrupt the heart (1-16)