January 15th, 2021
Killing Me Softly Devotional Series – Week 1 – Comparison - Friday – Shirley Davis
What Jesus Doesn’t Want
Matthew 20:13-16 (NLT)
“He answered one of them, ‘Friend, I haven’t been unfair! Didn’t you agree to work all day for the usual wage? Take your money and go. I wanted to pay this last worker the same as you. Is it against the law for me to do what I want with my money? Should you be jealous because I am kind to others?” “So those who are last now will be first then, and those who are first will be last.”
Reading this week's topic, one of Jesus' parables quickly came to mind. It's one of my favorites because we can all relate as it is so "true-to-life." Yet when we read Jesus' explanation at the end, we cannot argue with its truth and the important lesson it teaches us—whether we like it or not!
Matthew 20:1-16 tells of a farmer needing to harvest his crops, who goes to the marketplace to hire workers on a day-by-day basis. Early in the morning, he picks his crew, and all happily agree to the deal—a fair day's wage for the work. But later, the farmer returns several more times to hire additional workers. Each time they agree to be paid "for what their work was worth" (NLT). He even hires more at 5 pm when he learns they've been waiting there all day, never giving up hope of work.
Finally, the day is over, and the workers line up so that the first ones hired must be paid last! That right, there doesn't seem fair! Then, to add insult to injury, those same workers discover that even the most recently hired workers get a full day's pay!
But wait! That could be good! Maybe the first ones hired will get paid more! But anticipation turns to shock when they receive only the standard daily pay! NOT fair!! Who WOULDN'T feel resentment and jealousy creeping into their thoughts?
We've all experienced similar feelings at times. We are thrilled to get the new job—until little things start to make us feel resentful. After much research, we buy a new car and are excited and happy—until someone says they found a "better deal." But Jesus wants us to confront the reality of verse 15: "are you jealous because I am good to those people?" (NLT) Comparing our situation to others can lead to resentment and jealousy—NOT what Jesus wants!
What Jesus Doesn’t Want
Matthew 20:13-16 (NLT)
“He answered one of them, ‘Friend, I haven’t been unfair! Didn’t you agree to work all day for the usual wage? Take your money and go. I wanted to pay this last worker the same as you. Is it against the law for me to do what I want with my money? Should you be jealous because I am kind to others?” “So those who are last now will be first then, and those who are first will be last.”
Reading this week's topic, one of Jesus' parables quickly came to mind. It's one of my favorites because we can all relate as it is so "true-to-life." Yet when we read Jesus' explanation at the end, we cannot argue with its truth and the important lesson it teaches us—whether we like it or not!
Matthew 20:1-16 tells of a farmer needing to harvest his crops, who goes to the marketplace to hire workers on a day-by-day basis. Early in the morning, he picks his crew, and all happily agree to the deal—a fair day's wage for the work. But later, the farmer returns several more times to hire additional workers. Each time they agree to be paid "for what their work was worth" (NLT). He even hires more at 5 pm when he learns they've been waiting there all day, never giving up hope of work.
Finally, the day is over, and the workers line up so that the first ones hired must be paid last! That right, there doesn't seem fair! Then, to add insult to injury, those same workers discover that even the most recently hired workers get a full day's pay!
But wait! That could be good! Maybe the first ones hired will get paid more! But anticipation turns to shock when they receive only the standard daily pay! NOT fair!! Who WOULDN'T feel resentment and jealousy creeping into their thoughts?
We've all experienced similar feelings at times. We are thrilled to get the new job—until little things start to make us feel resentful. After much research, we buy a new car and are excited and happy—until someone says they found a "better deal." But Jesus wants us to confront the reality of verse 15: "are you jealous because I am good to those people?" (NLT) Comparing our situation to others can lead to resentment and jealousy—NOT what Jesus wants!
Posted in Killing Me Softly
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