Today's Reading: Matthew 20: 1-16
**For a simple and good way of Daily Devotion method please click this link: Subject Shifting Devotion.pdf.
Please click this link to read Matthew 20: 1-16
Bible Study
This is a passage so important that all Christians need to understand. If we really understand the message, then we'll have less problems in our church. Why? Because lots of time problems come when people and leaders start to say, "It's not fair!"
In Jesus' parable, there is a reason for the workers to grumble and to say that it is not fair. But, is it really not fair?
N.T. Wright gives us a very clear explanation. He says:
Jesus probably intends the parable as a warning to the disciples themselves about their own attitudes. When he said, at the end of the previous chapter, that those at the front would end up at the back, and vice versa, it may have seemed that 'those at the front' was referring to the rich and powerful, and that 'those at the back' meant the disciples themselves. However, that saying was part of the answer to Peter, after his somewhat self-centred question in 19:27 ('We've left everything and followed you; so what is our reward?'). It's possible that, already in chapter 19, Jesus is intending the riddling saying about first and last, the front and the back, to be a warning to the disciples themselves: don't think that, because you've been close to me so far, you are now the favoured few for all time. That, I believe, is the main thrust of this story in chapter 20.
Have you seen pastors and leaders fight against each others because of similar situation of fairness. Watch out! Don't overestimate yourself! We are just humble servants of God, how can we think like that? How can we accuse others like that?
In Jesus' parable, there is a reason for the workers to grumble and to say that it is not fair. But, is it really not fair?
N.T. Wright gives us a very clear explanation. He says:
Jesus probably intends the parable as a warning to the disciples themselves about their own attitudes. When he said, at the end of the previous chapter, that those at the front would end up at the back, and vice versa, it may have seemed that 'those at the front' was referring to the rich and powerful, and that 'those at the back' meant the disciples themselves. However, that saying was part of the answer to Peter, after his somewhat self-centred question in 19:27 ('We've left everything and followed you; so what is our reward?'). It's possible that, already in chapter 19, Jesus is intending the riddling saying about first and last, the front and the back, to be a warning to the disciples themselves: don't think that, because you've been close to me so far, you are now the favoured few for all time. That, I believe, is the main thrust of this story in chapter 20.
Have you seen pastors and leaders fight against each others because of similar situation of fairness. Watch out! Don't overestimate yourself! We are just humble servants of God, how can we think like that? How can we accuse others like that?
Let's have a time to be still and give the Holy Spirit space to speak through the passage of scripture we have just read. Offer this time up to Jesus as you listen to him, while listening to "Gabriel's Oboe"
Spiritual Journal
What I heard from Jesus today is: It's not fair!
What I received from Jesus today is a reminder as well as warning to us that the issue of fairness cause lots of misunderstanding, anger and division.
Just a very simple example: When I first met Bishop Justin Welby (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Justin_Welby ) last June in London during the week of International Alpha he was then the Dean of Liverpool Cathedral, not even a bishop yet but bishop elect of Durham. We were in the same small group of only eight people. And in less than one year time he is now the confirmed nominee to succeed Archbishop Rowan Williams as the Archbishop of Canterbury, the top No. 1 leader in the world-wide Anglican communion! I am so joyful and nearly jumped up with joy to know this great news! It is really wonderful! But, is it possible that some senior bishops would think, "Justin is so junior, why not me, why not other bishop, it's not fair!" Do you know what I mean? I have seen such kind of pride, self-centerness, jealousy and division happen all the time! It's painful! Please don't say, "It's not fair again!" Let Jesus judge and don't be a judge!
Dear Lord Jesus,
Help us to be humble and not to take the position of a judge to pour down judgement and accusation on other people. Teach us to understand that only you can judge and fairness comes from you. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
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