Matthew 20:1-16
- Our insecurities often make it dangerous to compare ourselves to others and our pride often makes it dangerous to compare others to ourselves. As a result, so much of what makes comparison dangerous is the way we view both ourselves and others. What insecurities most often arise when you engage with others? Alternately, what forms of pride tend to well up?
- “For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one.” – Romans 12:3, CSB
- “But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” Jesus made this statement and then told the parable of the vineyard workers laboring for different lengths of time and receiving the same pay at the end of the day. Those that worked the whole day were upset that they had been made to be equal even with those that worked only an hour. Do you also struggle with a sense of injustice when you witness what you or others receive in comparison to what you believe is earned or deserved? Grace is undeserved favor, and it is “by grace through faith” that we are saved and enter the kingdom of heaven. What is it that makes grace seem so unnatural or hard both to receive and give?
- “For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift— not from works, so that no one can boast.” – Ephesians 2:8-9, CSB
- The parable teaches us that grace is the currency of the kingdom of heaven. We are all undeserving of God’s love and forgiveness, but He gives it to us in grace. Seeing the grace given to us frees us from the tendency to grow bitter or resentful when we compare ourselves to others. We must see it personally! As you reflect on your life, how are you struck personally by the grace of God for you?
- “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness.’” – 2 Corinthians 12:9, CSB
For further study:
Read Philippians 2:3 and consider how humility leads us into healthy comparison.
Prayer focus for the week:
Pray for consistent joy and endurance for those who serve in and through the church’s various ministries.