Monday, December 17, 2012

The Parable of the Vineyard Workers, Part 24 of 28


IDEA: We may approve of grace when it is given to us, but disapprove of it when it is given to others.

PURPOSE: To help listeners understand the inconsistency of our attitude toward grace.

Listen to a question that is asked in one of Jesus' parables found in Matthew 20:15: "Are you envious because I am generous?"

Who asked the question and why?

I. Do you think that most Christians believe that God is a God of grace?

We sing about grace: "Amazing Grace" is the best-known hymn in the English language.

How do you think people define grace? Do most of them have it right as a definition?

II. Do you think most Christians could give a testimony about God's grace?

What would you imagine the testimony would sound like?

In the story about the vineyard, who would have had the easiest time praising the generosity of the owner? Who would have had the hardest time?

III. We think that grace is a good idea and we approve of it when it happens to us. But does it bother us when it happens to other people?

"Are you envious because I am gracious?"

Do we believe that God can be generous and gracious to other people, even when they are not like us?

Are you upset when it is suggested that people who don't have your lifestyle, your family values, your way of worshiping can also enjoy the grace of God, or does that make you angry?

Is it possible that the question in the story addressed to the workers might be addressed to us? "Are you envious because I am generous?"