Scripture

“So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”

Observation
Jesus tells a parable about a man who employs labourers for his vineyard at different times of the day, promising to pay each one the same amount.

When the time comes to pay them, he arranges for the last employed to be paid first. The men who worked all day are outraged that they receive the same as those who worked just one hour.

The owner points out that they received what they agreed to. As the owner he can do what he pleases with his money.

Application
Grace can be annoying, especially when other people receive it. We think it’s fine for God to forgive us, but struggle to cope with the idea that God might also forgive paedophiles, murderers, sex traffickers and other really bad people.

This is the scandal of the cross- Jesus pays it forward for everybody.

Is it fair that some mass murderer confesses on his death bed and gets into heaven scot free?

Of course it’s not fair, and that is just the point. It’s not fair that God chooses to overlook my sin in the same way.

It has never been about justice. It’s all about God’s extravagant love.

Prayer
Father, your grace is truly amazing. I deserve nothing from you, but you give freely. Thank you. Amen.