Yes, the wise and generous landowner does reward his workers, so the last part of Jesus’ story is about money and reward, but in a surprising way.
Hot and weary after a long day in the sun, all the workers gather to
receive their reward. The vineyard owner instructs his foreman to “call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last ones hired”. What might this suggest to us about God’s nature?
Everyone received the same wage – a denarius (a fair wage for a day’s work). Can you just imagine the scene? Those who had unexpectedly received a full day’s pay for a few
hours’ work excitedly moving down the queue, spreading their good news? Those further down the queue, their hopes rising for greater reward when they arrive up front?
But their hopes are dashed! Suddenly, the fairness and justness of the landowner is put into question. Those who were to be paid last, tired and weary, soon lose their sense of joy from earlier
in the day at having been employed at a generous rate to start with! They begin “to grumble against the landowner”. They also envy those employed for a shorter time rather than share their elation and surprise at the landowner's generosity.
How do you react when your hopes are dashed? When you are hot, tired, and weary?
Can you rejoice with others even when they seem to have it easy or get more than they deserve because you trust God to care for you?
Do you sometimes accuse God of treating you unfairly or not being as generous to you as to someone else? Do you grumble against God, who generously, relentlessly and faithfully provides all you
need?
Do you trust that God loves you and will provide for you as promised?
Reflections by Reginald
Venter
