Matthew 19:27-20:16: Grace Isn’t Fair

Jesus reassures His disciples that following Him is worth it, both now and eternally. Yet the disciples dare never become prideful or forget that God reigns as King according to His grace. Jesus tells a parable about a master who hires workers for his vineyard throughout the day. When the time to pay the workers arrives, each of the workers receives the same wage. Those who worked the entire day feel cheated, yet the master reminds them of his great generosity. In a similar way, God has been generous in grace to us sinners by making us members of His kingdom. No matter how long we have been in the Church, and no matter how much work we have done for the Lord, we rejoice to belong to His kingdom by His grace alone. 

Rev. Ryan Ogrodowicz, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church and School in Brenham, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 19:27-20:16. 

To learn more about Grace Lutheran, visit gracebrenham.org.

“The Reign of Heaven Stands Near” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies the Gospel according to St. Matthew. The first evangelist proclaims that God has fulfilled His Old Testament promises by sending Jesus to bring the reign of the heavens among us. As the Son of David, Jesus is the gracious King we need, and as the Son of Abraham, Jesus is the blessing to all the families of the earth. 

Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Pastor Appel serves at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, IL. Learn more at flcgodfrey.org. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org