Fields United Methodist Church

Thoughts Along the Way

Pastor Tom Joyce

“So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”

Matthew 20:16

Jesus teaches what the Kingdom of heaven is like through telling the parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard.” It is a parable that makes no sense to our human sensibilities; equal pay for unequal time worked. Yet the kingdom of heaven would make no sense if we based our definitions on human understanding. Jesus does not concern himself with keeping track of “time served” or even the work that has been done; God’s kingdom is not based on merit, but rather on grace. There is no tenure that can be earned, nor is there a certain length of time that must be achieved working in the Lord’s vineyard before entry is approved. Jesus welcomes ALL those who humbly accepts him as their Lord and Savior whether early in life or at the end of the journey. In the eyes of Jesus, we are all on equal footing because, truth be known, nobody deserves God’s grace, nobody. But grace is freely given, and this is the Good news, the really, really good news. No matter who you are and no matter what others may think of you, you are loved by God, period.  God created the universe and can transform your life; though you may be last in the world’s eyes, you are first in God’s. So rather than grumble about someone being given preferential treatment and accepted by God, celebrate their homecoming, just as you have been welcomed home. Some take the long way; others the shortest distance. The bottom line is all end up celebrating God’s grace as one in Christ Jesus. Thank you Jesus for the gift of your grace.