The first will be last… Matthew 20:1-16
Matthew 19:13-15 What makes Jesus angry? “the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant” (Mark 10:13-14)
Matthew 19:13-15 “anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it” Mark 10:15
Matthew 19:16-26 What is unexpected about the gospel? “All these I have kept…What do I still lack?” (Matthew 19:20)
“Who then can be saved?” “with God all things are possible” Matthew 19:26
Matthew 19:27-30 What motivates Jesus’ disciples? “What…will there be for us?” (Matthew 19:27)
“many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first” Matthew 19:30
The parable of the workers in the vineyard – Matthew 20:1-4 Denarius = day’s wage Landowner = God Workers = disciples
The parable of the workers in the vineyard – Matthew 20:1-4 “I will pay you whatever is right” Matthew 20:4 God is fair
The parable of the workers in the vineyard – Matthew 20:5-7 It’s never too late …until it’s too late
The parable of the workers in the vineyard – Matthew 20:5-7 “Why…here all day long?” “Go…and work in my vineyard” Matthew 20:6-7 God is patient
The parable of the workers in the vineyard – Matthew 20:9-10 How much are you worth?
The parable of the workers in the vineyard – Matthew 20:9-10 “each received a denarius” Matthew 20:9 God is generous
The parable of the workers in the vineyard – Matthew 20:11-16 “You have made them equal to us” Matthew 20:12 “Is God fair?” we compare
The parable of the workers in the vineyard – Matthew 20:11-16 “(they) worked only one hour” Matthew 20:12 “Should God be patient?” we doubt God
The parable of the workers in the vineyard – Matthew 20:11-16 “they expected to receive more” Matthew 20:10 “Should God be so generous?” we want more
The parable of the workers in the vineyard – Matthew 20:11-16 “So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” Matthew 20:16
Matthew 19:27-30 Why do Jesus’ disciples not learn? “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve” (Matthew 19:27)
What is God like? God is not fair God is very patient Conclusion What is God like? God is not fair God is very patient God is very generous
Who am I? Child or rich man? Seeking riches or thankful for grace? Conclusion Who am I? Child or rich man? Seeking riches or thankful for grace? Greatest or least? Slow to learn or listening to God?