pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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Generous

Reading: Matthew 20:1-16

Matthew 20:16 – “So those who are last will be first. And those who are first will be last.”

Returning to the parable of the workers in the vineyard, today we focus on the landowner’s response to the grumbling of those who thought they were first. The landowner reminds them first of their agreement. They are asked to take what is theirs and to go. The landowner asserts that it is their right to give as they want to give. The parable itself ends with this question: “Or are you resentful because I’m generous?” As I read this ending today, I am reminded of connections to these stories of Jesus: the story of the rich man and Lazarus and the story of the thief on the cross.

Shifting from story teller to teacher, Jesus says, “So those who are last will be first. And those who are first will be last.” The ones who think they deserve more grace, more of God’s love, a better place at the table… will be and often are upset, disappointed, saddened when someone who hasn’t been as faithful, who hasn’t served as much, or who is clearly a greater sinner receives the same grace, love, forgiveness… from God. It is hard to reckon in our human hearts and minds that such as these might need to be lifted from “last” more than those who already know and receive God’s love…

There is also a call for us to be more like the landowner. In this life there are times when we can be generous with our money or with our time, talents, and other resources. Surely we’ll help a good friend in a time of need. But are we as quick to help that grumpy neighbor or that ornery co-worker? These who we see as “last” maybe should be “first” when it comes to the living out of our faith. And this would not primarily be for their benefit.

Prayer: Lord God, we are quick to receive when you love, forgive, encourage, or lift us up. We’re even grateful when a family member or good friend receives from you. Help us to be at least as grateful when one considered the least is also blessed. And with this gratitude, lead us to be generous with our love, grace, forgiveness… Thank you, Lord. Amen.


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So It Was… So It Must Be

Reading: Matthew 19-20

Matthew 20:26-27 – “Whoever wants to be great among you will be your servant. Whoever wants to be first among you will be your slave.”

Today’s readings center on the upside-down and countercultural life that Jesus calls his followers to. He first addresses divorce in an exchange with the Pharisees. They want to know if Jesus thinks it is ok to divorce one’s wife for any reason. The fact is the Law has been watered down to accommodate human desires. Jesus goes back to Genesis, declaring God’s intent: “Humans must not pull apart what God has put together.”

After blessing the children because “the kingdom belongs to people like these children,” Jesus encounters a rich man. He wants to know what “good thing” he must do to have eternal life. He’s kept the commandments, but feels like he’s missing something. That tug on the heart is there. Jesus tells him that to be “complete” he must go and sell all, giving the money to the poor. He cannot do this. Saddened, he goes away. Peter asks about the disciples leaving all for Jesus. The reward will be great for those who leave home, family… to follow Jesus.

To perhaps temper this reward mentality Jesus tells the parable of the workers in the vineyard. An owner hires workers early in the morning to work for one denarion, a typical day’s wage. He also hires at 9, noon, 3, and 5. At the end of the day the owner instructs his manager to work backwards. He first pays those who’ve worked an hour a denarion. The all-day workers also receive a denarion. They grumble, thinking they deserve more. They are resentful of the owner’s generosity. So it is with us sometimes as we see God freely granting mercy.

After again predicting his death and resurrection, James and John’s mother requests places of supreme honor in heaven for her sons. Perhaps she thinks they’ve given up the most to follow Jesus. Her request is denied. Her asking angers the rest of the 12. Jesus calls them all in and tells them, “Whoever wants to be great among you will be your servant. Whoever wants to be first among you will be your slave.” So it was with Jesus. So it must be with us.

Prayer: Lord God, again and again today we hear the calls to place both you and others before self, to be humble and generous, to honor you in all we do. When we seek to walk in these ways we can bump up against the ways of the world that elevate self as #1 and preach “Gather, gather, gather!” In those moments of temptation, remind us of our call to walk in the footsteps of Jesus, following his example of servant to all. Amen.