God’s Grace and Jesus’ Journey (Matthew 20:1-19)
Have you ever looked at someone else’s life and thought, “That’s not fair”? Maybe they seemed to get more—even though you worked harder or followed all the rules. If so, you’re not alone. Even Jesus’ closest followers struggled with this.
In Matthew 20:1–19, Jesus tells a surprising story that turns our idea of fairness upside down. Then He shares something deeply personal—His own journey toward suffering and death. These two parts may seem different, but together, they give us a powerful message about grace, humility, and love.
Let’s take a closer look.
A Story That Surprises Everyone
Jesus tells a story about a vineyard owner who needs workers. He goes out early in the morning and hires some men. They agree to work for the usual day’s wage. Later, the owner returns again and again—at 9 a.m., noon, 3 p.m., and even 5 p.m.—and hires more people.
At the end of the day, he pays everyone the same amount—even the people who only worked one hour!
The workers who started early are upset. “We worked all day in the hot sun—why are they getting the same as us?”
The landowner responds kindly but firmly:
“Didn’t you agree to work for that amount? I’m not being unfair. I’m being generous. Can’t I do what I want with my own money?”
Then Jesus adds this thought:
“The last will be first, and the first will be last.”
It’s a strange ending—but it teaches a big lesson.
What This Parable Means for Us
This story isn’t really about a vineyard. It’s about God’s grace—the way He loves and blesses people.
Here are some simple but powerful takeaways:
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God’s grace isn’t earned.
The workers didn’t get paid based on hours. Just like eternal life isn’t something we earn by being “good enough”—it’s a gift. -
God is generous—and that’s a good thing.
He has the right to bless people however He chooses, even when it doesn’t match our idea of fairness. -
Comparison steals our joy.
The early workers were fine—until they started comparing. Don’t let comparison distract you from God’s goodness in your life. -
God’s kingdom doesn’t work like the world.
In our world, people fight to be first. In God’s kingdom, the “last” are lifted up, and those who humble themselves are honored.
Jesus Heads Toward the Cross
Right after telling this story, Jesus does something deeply personal. As they travel toward Jerusalem, He pulls His disciples aside and says:
“We are going to Jerusalem. The Son of Man will be handed over… He will be mocked, beaten, and crucified. But on the third day, He will rise again.”
This is the third time Jesus tells them about His coming death. But this time, it’s more detailed. He knows what’s coming—but He keeps moving forward.
Why? Because of love. Jesus isn’t just telling us about grace—He’s making it possible.
What These Two Moments Teach Us Together
The story of the vineyard and Jesus’ prediction of His death may seem unrelated—but they go hand-in-hand.
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Grace is free—but it’s not cheap.
The landowner in the parable is generous—but Jesus shows us that this generosity cost Him everything. -
God’s love flips our expectations.
Whether it’s paying the last workers first or a King willing to die on a cross, Jesus shows us that God’s way is often the opposite of ours. -
True greatness is found in humility and sacrifice.
Jesus is the greatest example of this. He deserved honor—but chose the cross, for our sake.
How This Speaks to Us Today
Here are a few ways we can respond:
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Stop comparing.
You don’t need to measure your blessings against someone else’s. God sees you and knows what you need. -
Be thankful for grace.
Whether you’ve followed Jesus for years or just started today, the reward is the same: eternal life with Him. -
Follow Jesus’ example.
Just like He walked toward the cross with love and courage, we’re called to live with humility, generosity, and trust in God.
Final Thoughts
God’s grace isn’t always “fair” in the way we expect—but it’s better. It’s generous. It’s surprising. And it’s for everyone.
Jesus knew what was coming, but He chose the path of suffering so that we could receive a gift we could never earn.
So today, let’s stop striving to be “first,” and instead rest in the grace of a God who gives freely, loves deeply, and walks with us every step of the way.
Reflection Question:
Is there an area in your life where you’ve been comparing or striving to earn what God wants to give you freely?
Matthew 20:1-19 (WEB)
20:1 “For the Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who was the master of a household, who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. 2 When he had agreed with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. 3 He went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace. 4 He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right I will give you.’ So they went their way. 5 Again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour, and did likewise. 6 About the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing idle. He said to them, ‘Why do you stand here all day idle?’7 “They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’“He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and you will receive whatever is right.’8 “When evening had come, the lord of the vineyard said to his manager, ‘Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning from the last to the first.’ 9 “When those who were hired at about the eleventh hour came, they each received a denarius. 10 When the first came, they supposed that they would receive more; and they likewise each received a denarius. 11 When they received it, they murmured against the master of the household, 12 saying, ‘These last have spent one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat!’13 “But he answered one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Didn’t you agree with me for a denarius? 14 Take that which is yours, and go your way. It is my desire to give to this last just as much as to you. 15 Isn’t it lawful for me to do what I want to with what I own? Or is your eye evil, because I am good?’ 16 So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few are chosen.”17 As Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside, and on the way he said to them, 18 “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death, 19 and will hand him over to the Gentiles to mock, to scourge, and to crucify; and the third day he will be raised up.”