Septuagesima, 2017
Matthew 20:1-16
Rev. Benjamin Tyler Holt
Do you believe you get what you deserve?
Concluding the parable in today’s Gospel lesson, Jesus says: “The last will be first, and the first last” (Matthew 20:16).
We’re not shocked when Jesus says this, but we should be.
He just taught a parable that everyone understands, but the characters in the parable that we identify with are the villains.
When have you seen someone do less work than you, contribute to a project less than you, show up less than you, and care less than you—when have you seen someone do that and get paid the same as you—and you not cry foul?
Jesus describes a situation that is completely unfair.
We should be shocked.
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