September 29, 2024 "God's Generosity Is For The Marginalized"

ReNew Ames Messages

Today we're talking about the story of the workers in the vineyard. We human beings have this sense of fairness deeply rooted within the human psyche. Which is why when we read this story it immediately doesn't seem fair. Why did Jesus tell such a story? Probably because he wants us to stop and think - maybe see the world differently. It's always what he wants when he tells a story. It's why he tells so many of them. First, this story is about God's generosity - not about fairness. And God's generosity is real generosity - pure grace - no earning here (even though the story is about payment of wages). Next, this story seems to indicate that God's heart is bent toward the marginalized - the leftover people in the world. The landowner in the story goes back and gets the people no one else would hire. Sounds super Jesusy to me. Last, the only way this story isn't uncomfortable to us is if we become more like the divine and show generosity to all people. The story has no ending. We don't know how the people in it responded. Jesus leaves it as a cliffhanger letting the listeners decide how they will respond. Which will it be? Bitter and jealous? Embarrassed by extreme generosity received? Or becoming more like God and offering generosity. Speaker: Aaron Vis Scripture: Matthew 20:1-16 http://bible.com/events/49325867