March 11, 2016
IT'S NOT FAIR -- THANK GOODNESS!
Matthew 20:1–16
Sarah Hetrick
Central Truth
Unfair circumstances can reveal the condition of the heart. Responses that include entitlement, pride, comparison, and envy, all reveal deep issues. Responses marked by gratitude indicate a heart free to rejoice with others over the generosity of a good and gracious God.
Key Verse | Matthew 20:15
"'Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?'" (Matthew 20:15)
Matthew 20:1–16
Laborers in the Vineyard
1 For the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. 2 After agreeing with the laborers for a denarius 1 20:2 A denarius was a day's wage for a laborer a day, he sent them into his vineyard. 3 And going out about the third hour he saw others standing idle in the marketplace, 4 and to them he said, ‘You go into the vineyard too, and whatever is right I will give you.’ 5 So they went. Going out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour, he did the same. 6 And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing. And he said to them, ‘Why do you stand here idle all day?’ 7 They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You go into the vineyard too.’ 8 And when evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last, up to the first.’ 9 And when those hired about the eleventh hour came, each of them received a denarius. 10 Now when those hired first came, they thought they would receive more, but each of them also received a denarius. 11 And on receiving it they grumbled at the master of the house, 12 saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’ 13 But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? 14 Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you. 15 Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?’ 2 20:15 Or is your eye bad because I am good? 16 So the last will be first, and the first last.”
Dive Deeper | Matthew 20:1–16
You work more hours than the new employees, and they get paid the same as you. It’s an easily relatable situation that would make most of us genuinely frustrated. As soon as we perceive injustice and begin the familiar cry of “it’s not fair,” several attitudes of ungratefulness are uncovered in our hearts:
Entitlement—I worked for it, so you owe me.
Pride—I deserve it because I did the best.
Comparison—His is better so I don’t like mine.
Envy—If she got it, then I want it, too.
Those of you struggling with entitlement and pride may feel like you’ve worked hard to remain obedient, so God owes you a reward. The early laborers expected extra wages for their work. You may feel owed forgiveness and salvation. Or you may resent the fact that others haven’t put in the effort you have and “slaved under the sun,” yet they still experience the blessing of salvation.
Those of you struggling with comparison and envy may feel like God is cheating you because He has not given you what He has given others. You may want what others are getting. But I ask you, where is the beauty in a world where everyone has exactly the same gifts and abilities?
Like the early laborers, we are viewing God's gifts from the wrong angle. We fixate on what we feel we’re lacking, so we forsake an attitude of thankfulness. Instead, we pave the way for resentment, dissatisfaction, and strife. Rather than begrudging God’s generosity to others, let’s unite together to celebrate His generosity to all those who don't deserve His gifts.
While we don’t deserve the gifts God has given us, we do deserve one thing: death. Yet He gives us life. Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
So when situations arise and our hearts revert to the cry of injustice and call out, “It’s not fair,” let’s remember to amend our cry with a triumphant shout of “and thank goodness!” Because we have a Father who graciously gives far beyond anything we deserve. It’s incredibly unfair. And that's good.
Discussion Questions
1. When life seems unfair, how do you respond? Does your heart tend toward entitlement, pride, comparison, or envy?
2. How can you cultivate a heart of gratitude and focus on what God is providing for you rather than fixating on what you feel is lacking?
3. What can you do to celebrate the gifts God is giving to others without comparing or becoming envious and resentful?