- Preacher: Curt Kenney
- Sermon Series: The Parables of Jesus
- Sermon Title: The Laborers in the Vineyard
- Scripture: Matthew 20:1-16
Matthew 20:1-16
The parable of the laborers in the vineyard
- Hope for Carrot Farmers
- A Warning for Noblemen
- The Wise and Generous King
1. Consider the context of the parable: Peter asks, “See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?” Is it wrong for him to ask such a question?
2. Would you say Peter is more of a carrot farmer or a nobleman?
3. Do you relate to the attitude of the 6 AM worker? In what ways do you sympathize with their response to the wages given?
4. Why is it problematic to make contracts with God? What does that say about our hearts?
5. Do you sometimes “begrudge” the generosity of God? How so? How does your jealousy of what others have cause you to grumble?
6. Where do you feel like you are coming in last in life?
7. Read Romans 6:23. How does looking at life through the lens of the gospel help change our hearts and bring about gratitude?
8. My joy-filled friend Debbie who has spent most of her life in a wheelchair reminds me that God can be trusted as a wise and generous king. He knows our hearts and he gives more than we can imagine, despite the pain we endure in this life. Pray that you will find joy in trusting Him and putting yourself last for the sake of others.
9. You can also read through Philippians 2:1-11 as a guide for your prayer as you remember that in God’s kingdom “the last will be first and the first last.”