17th Sunday after Pentecost
Jonah 3:10–4:1; Psalm 145:1-8; Philippians 1:21-30; Matthew 20:1-16
There is profound and uplifting spiritual power in the revelation that God has no pleasure in the death of anyone, even the unrighteous. God wants all his peoples to live (Ezek. 18:32, 33:11). This scriptural reality – brought to us by the lectionary two Sundays ago – carries over a bit to the readings for this Sunday.
Jesus tells the parable of the laborers in the vineyard to once again explain how things will work in the domain of heaven come near to us. Nonetheless, its location in the gospel of Matthew adds depth to its meaning. The chain of events leading to Jesus’ use of this image begins with the interchange between him and the rich young man (Matt. 19:16-22). There, the potential disciple walks away after hearing that he should give up everything and follow Jesus to inherit eternal life.
After witnessing the scene, a concerned Peter then reminds his rabbi that the disciples had left everything to follow him and asks what is in it for them (19:27). Jesus answers with appreciation for their discipleship and assures them of a positive outcome when the moment of judgment comes (28-29). However, he adds a caveat, “but many who are first will be last, and the last will be first (30).” The parable about the laborers in the vineyard expands on what the great reversal brought by Jesus means.
This can be frustrating for some believers. We are big into rewards for those who deserve it. The parable addresses this frustration by emphasizing the resentment among the laborers who worked the whole day and were paid the same as those who harvested only for a few hours. The vineyard owner’s response: “Are you envious because I am generous?” (Matt. 20:16).
When it comes to mercy and compassion, God can be as generous as God wishes, even if it takes a divine change of mind (Jonah 3:10c). We tend to remember the wrath of God. However, we often miss the math of biblical evidence showing that God is hundreds of times more willing to show mercy and forgiveness than to extend punishment (Ex. 34:7). God wants us to know that God is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and ready to relent from punishment (Jonah 4:2; Psa. 145:8) – a refrain often repeated in the Old Testament (Ex. 34:6; Num. 14:18; Neh. 9:17; Psa. 86:15; 103:8; Joel 2:13).
Those who resent God’s generous love oppose Jesus. Paul encourages the infant church in Philippi to stand firm in the face of opposition by living “in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ (Phil. 1:27).”
“I will exalt you, my God and king,
and bless your name forever and ever” (Psalm 145:1).
Bridging Faith 