Matthew 20:1-9

“When he went out about nine o’clock, he saw others standing idle in the market-place; and he said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ So they went.” vss. 3-4

There really aren’t any words that are adequate to describe the kingdom of heaven, and Jesus doesn’t even try. Instead he tells parables, stories that paint a picture of what life in the kingdom is like. He’s not talking about some otherworldly place beyond the clouds, he’s describing what life in the here and now can be like when we’re in touch with the Spirit of God.

In the parable of the laborers in the vineyard Jesus is describing what must have been a familiar activity in the life of a small village. A landowner goes into the marketplace to hire workers from among those lounging about looking for a job. He finds one group early in the morning and agrees with them about what the daily wage will be. When he still needs workers and comes back a couple of hours later, he hires them too, promising only to pay whatever is right.

Jesus here touches on a basic expectation that we have about life in this world. Whatever the circumstances or conditions we are experiencing we do have a sense that we will be treated fairly. Life can be very good, and it’s unlikely we will have any complaints, as long as we are getting our just rewards.

Thought for the Day: When have I been treated fairly in my life?