What is it about God’s generosity that’s so hard to trust? In this episode, Cynthia and Susan discuss The Parable of the Laborers, in which Jesus turns the idea of fairness on its head with a story that disregards the rules we insist are so important. It’s a reminder that the kingdom of heaven runs on grace, and all our careful scorekeeping and human expectations of scarcity will someday be confounded by God’s abundance, so we may as well get used to it.
Notes:
Matthew 20:1-16, KJV
Matthew 20:1-16, NRSV
All Things New: Rethinking Sin, Salvation, and Everything In Between, by Fiona and Terryl Givens
Christmas History: Was Jesus a Day Laborer?, Opinion, LA Times, 12/23/2017
What Jesus Really Said: Laborers in the Vineyard, Faith Presbyterian Church PCA
Things Hidden: Scripture as Spirituality, by Richard Rohr
Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes: Cultural Studies in the Gospels, by Kenneth Bailey
The Seeds of Heaven: Sermons on the Gospel of Matthew, by Barbara Brown Taylor
Dana Glasenapp
I taught a teacher cadet program to high school Juniors and Seniors for many years. When teaching our Special Ed unit, I came across a program by Dr. Richard Lavoie. He has a wonderful explanation of “fairness” that really spoke to me.
“The definition of fairness has little to do with treating people in an identical manner. The true definition of fairness is: ‘Fairness means everyone gets what he or she needs’. “
I couldn’t help but reflect on this as I listened to your podcast on the Parable of the Laborers.
Susan Hinckley
Great insight. I love this way of looking at fairness. Thanks for sharing!
Brenda Helquist
I really like this one. But it seem to conflict with the teaching I had grew up with, within the church. About the three degrees of glory. And we must keep the ordinance, be sealed in the temple and other things to get into the Celestial Glory.
But since I left the church and look at other faith and the NEW AGE teaching. I think there is more truth to this teachings. I no longer believe that there is a line or Merritt or Things we Have to Do.