Mar 20, 2019

Matthew 20:1-16
“For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. 2 He agreed to pay them a denarius[a] for the day and sent them into his vineyard. 3 “About nine in the morning he went out and saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing. 4 He told them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ 5 So they went. “He went out again about noon and about three in the afternoon and did the same thing. 6 About five in the afternoon he went out and found still others standing around. He asked them, ‘Why have you been standing here all day long doing nothing?’ 7 “‘Because no one has hired us,’ they answered. “He said to them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard.’ 8 “When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last ones hired and going on to the first.’ 9 “The workers who were hired about five in the afternoon came and each received a denarius. 10 So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each one of them also received a denarius. 11 When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner. 12 ‘These who were hired last worked only one hour,’ they said, ‘and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.’ 13 “But he answered one of them, ‘I am not being unfair to you, friend. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? 14 Take your pay and go. I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you. 15 Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ 16 “So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”

Following Jesus means trusting him with every area of our lives, including our finances. For the next three weeks (Mar 4 - 22), we’re going to grow closer to Jesus by immersing ourselves in his stories and teachings about money, stewardship, and generosity. We invite you to open your heart to his words, and also to join us as we discuss them together. Join our Facebook group where you’ll find additional insights and resources and be able to share your thoughts and questions!

The COMMUNITY Bible Reading Plan is designed so that we read God’s Word in small doses. It is made with the intention of reading for transformation, not just information. A suggested method to use when you are spending time with God is Read, Reflect and Respond.

READ
Slowly, thoughtfully read God’s Word. Read the passage more than once. Notice a word, phrase or verse that sticks out and write it down.

REFLECT
Is there a command to obey?

Is there a promise to claim?
Is there a sin to avoid?
Is there a lesson to learn?

Is there a new truth to carry?

Why do you think this passage stood out to you? Write out a few sentences on what you think you’re hearing from God.

RESPOND
How will you respond? Write a short prayer to God In response to what you just heard him say through his Word. Thank Him for speaking to you.

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