“The Storyteller" The Vineyard Workers Matthew 20:1-16 Why does Jesus tell this story? Two Questions · The Rich Young Ruler - How do I inherit eternal life? · Peter’s Question - What’s in it for us? Matthew 19:27-30 - What’s in it for us? - A great reward awaits those who follow Jesus… AND eternal life. “How good is He; If He never did another thing for me; He is all I'll ever need; How good is He” Matthew 19:30: BUT – The first will be last and the last will be first. Following these two real-world questions, Jesus tells an earthly story with a heavenly meaning. Matthew 20:1-7 THE HARVEST - Matthew 9:37 - “the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few” Matthew 20:8-12 THE WORKERS - The principle that Jesus highlighted at the end of chapter 19 – first last, last first. - THE ATTITUDE OF THE WORKERS . Ungrateful . Indignant . They were owed more because of their work - MY ATTITUDE? . 1 Corinthians 4:7 . Philippians 2:5-7a . 1 Chronicles 16:4 MATTHEW 20:13-16 THE LANDOWNER - Honest - Generous - Has the right to do as he chooses . “Worry about yourself!” . It’s not about you and your works. . It’s about the generosity of the landowner. MAN’S KINGDOM VS GOD’S KINGDOM - Man’s Kingdom . Rewards must be fair. . Rewards are based on merit. . People are seeking the reward. . People are ungrateful. . Envy, Discontent, Comparison. . The first are first and the last are last. - God’s Kingdom . Rewards given under God’s sovereignty. . Rewards are based on God’s generosity. . Those who inherit the Kingdom chase after the Rewarder. . People give thanks for all God has done. . Contentment, Peace. . The first are last and the last are first. Are you seeking the reward or the rewarder? Matthew 6:5-6 Hebrews 12:2 Jesus is the author of your story, and He will one day bring it to completion. - If you believe God is sovereign and you believe He is generous, why won't you trust Him? - Why won't you surrender that one thing you are holding on to and trying to control? - He's a good, good Father. Next Step: - Let go and Let God!