In Matthew 20:1-16, Jesus tells a parable about a man who hired laborers for his field. He went out in the morning and made an agreement with them about wages and the work to be done. The laborers began their work, but the man continued to hire more workers throughout the day, yet he did not change the wage for the day’s work. When it came time to pay, those who worked the longest received the same amount as those who worked only a short time. The first workers, who had labored longer, complained, saying, “We worked more; why have you given the same amount to those who worked less?” The man replied, “We made an agreement, and I will pay what we agreed upon. If I choose to be generous, that is my prerogative.”
This parable serves as a powerful illustration of the plight of the Jews. The Jews have been entrusted with the oracles of God and the instructions on how to love and worship Him. Yet, Gentiles who come to faith in Jesus are also receiving righteousness, even though the Jews have pursued this righteousness for hundreds of years. It’s interesting to note how we sometimes take pride in the work God has given us, making it our own instead of viewing it as an opportunity to get to know the Father and to be witnesses to others. We can become focused on making a name for ourselves rather than bringing glory to God, even though He is the one who has given us the work to do (Ephesians 2:8-10).
What if the purpose of the work that God has entrusted to us is to provide opportunities to know Him personally and to testify to others for His glory? 1 Corinthians 10:11-13 explains that these things happened as examples, while Romans 14:4 emphasizes that they were written to instruct us. Revelation 12:11 tells us that we overcome by the words of our testimony. We are called to be living letters—epistles for others to read, observe, and listen to—which bear witness to a relationship with the Almighty and showcase the workings of God in love (Matthew 25:40). We each have a story that displays God’s greatness and glory. Some stories are like the book of Jude “short book”, while others resemble the book of Jeremiah “long book”, but both serve God’s purpose and receive the same reward. Therefore, let us not be envious.
The stumbling block for the Jews can also be a stumbling block for us, and that stumbling block is pride, which prevents us from recognizing Jesus as the main character. “Christ in me, the hope of glory!”
Lord, give us the will to work for You and not for man. Help us to work for Your glory and not to make a name for ourselves.