WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:11.580 If you haven't got a Bible with you, please, you can get one now and you might want to 00:00:11.580 --> 00:00:16.379 take some notes as well in the pen there at the table at the back as you came in. 00:00:16.379 --> 00:00:17.679 Thank you. 00:00:23.440 --> 00:00:26.280 So Matthew's Gospel, Chapter 20. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:54.439 Last week, Jason, our guest speaker, was talking about greatness in the kingdom. 00:00:54.439 --> 00:00:58.400 Today we're going to be thinking about entering the kingdom. 00:01:00.000 --> 00:01:06.799 Let's read from Matthew, Chapter 20, verse 1 to verse 16. 00:01:09.579 --> 00:01:10.960 Jesus is speaking. 00:01:10.960 --> 00:01:17.480 For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers 00:01:17.480 --> 00:01:18.579 for his vineyard. 00:01:19.599 --> 00:01:28.740 He agreed to pay them a denarius, that's a day's wage, and sent them into his vineyard. 00:01:28.739 --> 00:01:35.219 About nine in the morning he went out and saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing. 00:01:35.959 --> 00:01:41.899 He told them, you also go and work in my vineyard and I will pay you whatever is right. 00:01:42.739 --> 00:01:43.759 So they went. 00:01:44.739 --> 00:01:50.419 He went out again about noon and about three in the afternoon and did the same thing. 00:01:50.420 --> 00:01:56.960 About five in the afternoon he went out and found still others standing around. 00:01:57.340 --> 00:02:02.480 He asked them, why have you been standing here all day long doing nothing? 00:02:02.480 --> 00:02:07.820 Because no one has hired us, they answered. 00:02:08.659 --> 00:02:13.620 He said to them, you also go and work in my vineyard. 00:02:14.780 --> 00:02:21.340 When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, call the workers and pay 00:02:21.340 --> 00:02:26.039 them their wages, beginning with the last ones hired and going on to the first. 00:02:26.039 --> 00:02:34.199 The workers who were hired about five in the afternoon came and each received a denarius. 00:02:35.819 --> 00:02:41.419 So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. 00:02:42.459 --> 00:02:45.399 But each one of them also received a denarius. 00:02:46.659 --> 00:02:50.419 When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner. 00:02:50.419 --> 00:02:54.899 Those who were hired last worked only one hour, they said. 00:02:56.000 --> 00:03:00.560 And you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work of the heat of the day. 00:03:02.379 --> 00:03:07.819 But he answered one of them, I am not being unfair to you, friend. 00:03:09.079 --> 00:03:11.439 Didn't you agree to work for a denarius? 00:03:12.719 --> 00:03:14.039 Take your pay and go. 00:03:14.039 --> 00:03:20.699 I want to give the one who is hired last the same as I gave you. 00:03:21.739 --> 00:03:25.939 Don't I have the right to do what I want with my own money? 00:03:27.719 --> 00:03:29.180 Or are you envious? 00:03:30.219 --> 00:03:31.879 Because I am generous. 00:03:33.939 --> 00:03:39.699 So, the last will be first and the first will be last. 00:03:41.280 --> 00:03:42.479 Well, let's pray. 00:03:44.039 --> 00:03:55.060 Father, in your grace and because you are kind and compassionate, 00:03:55.939 --> 00:04:00.739 would you pour out your blessing upon us as we gather here, 00:04:01.759 --> 00:04:06.699 upon our Sunday school as they meet at the same time. 00:04:07.780 --> 00:04:09.239 Father, in your grace, 00:04:10.139 --> 00:04:13.739 would you pour out your spirit generously, 00:04:14.039 --> 00:04:17.420 so that we may be moved, 00:04:18.300 --> 00:04:20.120 captured by your word afresh, 00:04:21.219 --> 00:04:22.699 and changed 00:04:22.699 --> 00:04:25.539 to see the wonder of who you are 00:04:25.539 --> 00:04:28.819 and the life you've called us to live. 00:04:30.240 --> 00:04:33.439 So help us all, we pray, in Jesus' name. 00:04:34.500 --> 00:04:34.800 Amen. 00:04:34.800 --> 00:04:34.980 Amen. 00:04:34.980 --> 00:04:43.660 Well, the other day I was driving to Mahon Point. 00:04:44.439 --> 00:04:45.640 It was very busy, 00:04:46.480 --> 00:04:49.939 so everybody was on the hunt for a parking space. 00:04:51.140 --> 00:04:52.759 And being a good boy that I am, 00:04:52.819 --> 00:04:56.860 I waited patiently for someone to leave so that I could park. 00:04:56.860 --> 00:05:01.600 Eventually, I spotted a car move down one of the aisles. 00:05:02.040 --> 00:05:04.699 And as I made my way up that row of cars, 00:05:05.960 --> 00:05:06.819 guess what happened? 00:05:08.319 --> 00:05:11.560 Another car, who had just arrived, 00:05:12.379 --> 00:05:13.520 went in ahead of me. 00:05:14.980 --> 00:05:16.000 Couldn't believe it. 00:05:16.000 --> 00:05:19.459 I won't tell you what I said or what I thought. 00:05:20.199 --> 00:05:22.319 I wonder if that's ever happened to you. 00:05:23.259 --> 00:05:24.720 So frustrating, 00:05:25.279 --> 00:05:26.699 so annoying. 00:05:27.300 --> 00:05:29.019 I was there first. 00:05:29.740 --> 00:05:32.160 I deserved that parking space. 00:05:33.379 --> 00:05:35.279 They were last in line. 00:05:36.139 --> 00:05:37.259 It's not right. 00:05:37.879 --> 00:05:39.360 And it's not fair. 00:05:39.360 --> 00:05:44.780 Well, Jesus has been teaching about who enters the kingdom of heaven. 00:05:45.780 --> 00:05:48.180 But it's not as we expect. 00:05:48.759 --> 00:05:51.160 Have a look back with me in chapter 19, 00:05:52.100 --> 00:05:53.980 verse 14. 00:05:58.600 --> 00:05:59.439 Jesus said, 00:05:59.560 --> 00:06:01.480 Let the little children come to me. 00:06:01.480 --> 00:06:02.160 Now remember, 00:06:02.360 --> 00:06:05.900 children in that society were considered nobodies. 00:06:06.060 --> 00:06:08.780 They were the least and the last. 00:06:10.100 --> 00:06:11.180 But, says Jesus, 00:06:11.980 --> 00:06:13.800 do not hinder them, 00:06:14.420 --> 00:06:17.480 for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. 00:06:18.780 --> 00:06:20.319 And then in contrast, 00:06:21.319 --> 00:06:22.740 have a look at verse 23. 00:06:24.879 --> 00:06:26.660 Jesus said to his disciples, 00:06:26.939 --> 00:06:27.819 Truly I tell you, 00:06:27.819 --> 00:06:30.379 it is hard for someone who is rich 00:06:30.379 --> 00:06:32.860 to enter the kingdom. 00:06:33.000 --> 00:06:36.220 The rich are the people of power and influence. 00:06:36.220 --> 00:06:39.620 They are the best and they are first. 00:06:40.720 --> 00:06:41.780 But, says Jesus, 00:06:42.540 --> 00:06:45.480 it is hard for someone who is rich 00:06:45.480 --> 00:06:48.040 to enter the kingdom of heaven. 00:06:49.620 --> 00:06:53.460 You see, this is a reversal of the world's values. 00:06:54.240 --> 00:06:56.620 It turns everything upside down. 00:06:56.780 --> 00:06:59.240 As Jesus concludes in verse 30, 00:06:59.780 --> 00:07:00.600 chapter 19, 00:07:00.600 --> 00:07:03.220 But many who are first will be last. 00:07:04.360 --> 00:07:07.820 And many who are last will be first. 00:07:09.080 --> 00:07:10.379 How can this be? 00:07:11.400 --> 00:07:13.160 It seems so unfair, 00:07:13.379 --> 00:07:15.120 so unjust. 00:07:17.540 --> 00:07:19.640 Well, Jesus tells us a parable 00:07:19.640 --> 00:07:21.379 so that we might understand 00:07:21.379 --> 00:07:23.620 who enters the kingdom. 00:07:24.280 --> 00:07:25.900 Chapter 20, verse 1. 00:07:25.899 --> 00:07:29.859 For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner 00:07:29.859 --> 00:07:31.539 who went out early in the morning 00:07:31.539 --> 00:07:34.579 to hire workers for his vineyard. 00:07:34.819 --> 00:07:35.699 A parable, 00:07:37.139 --> 00:07:39.399 the story that Jesus is telling, 00:07:40.019 --> 00:07:41.500 is a practical story 00:07:41.500 --> 00:07:44.739 which highlights a spiritual reality. 00:07:44.899 --> 00:07:45.439 In other words, 00:07:45.519 --> 00:07:48.019 it's a story with a deeper meaning. 00:07:49.279 --> 00:07:50.779 So in this parable, 00:07:51.819 --> 00:07:54.739 the vineyard represents the kingdom of heaven. 00:07:54.740 --> 00:07:59.220 The landowner represents Jesus. 00:08:00.699 --> 00:08:04.420 And the workers represent those 00:08:04.420 --> 00:08:06.780 who enter the kingdom. 00:08:07.620 --> 00:08:09.620 It's a story that shows us 00:08:09.620 --> 00:08:11.579 that entrance into the kingdom 00:08:11.579 --> 00:08:14.560 is all by grace. 00:08:15.680 --> 00:08:17.220 Grace is that key 00:08:17.220 --> 00:08:20.680 that opens the door into the kingdom. 00:08:20.680 --> 00:08:25.379 So three things I want us to see this morning 00:08:25.379 --> 00:08:27.240 from this story. 00:08:27.939 --> 00:08:30.139 We're going to look at the welcome of grace, 00:08:30.620 --> 00:08:32.940 the scandal of grace, 00:08:33.460 --> 00:08:36.740 and the generosity of grace. 00:08:36.899 --> 00:08:40.180 Welcome, scandal, and generosity. 00:08:41.340 --> 00:08:43.360 So first, the welcome of grace. 00:08:43.560 --> 00:08:45.039 Let's read verse 1 again. 00:08:45.039 --> 00:08:47.819 For the kingdom of heaven 00:08:47.819 --> 00:08:49.319 is like a landowner 00:08:49.319 --> 00:08:51.159 who went out early in the morning 00:08:51.159 --> 00:08:54.279 to hire workers for his vineyard. 00:08:55.059 --> 00:08:56.639 It's a typical scene. 00:08:57.679 --> 00:08:59.879 The landowner goes off to the town 00:08:59.879 --> 00:09:01.659 to the unemployment centre. 00:09:02.419 --> 00:09:03.779 He goes early in the morning. 00:09:04.000 --> 00:09:06.480 It's about 6am at sunrise 00:09:06.480 --> 00:09:08.920 when the working day started. 00:09:10.200 --> 00:09:12.639 And he finds himself some workers. 00:09:14.080 --> 00:09:15.560 An arrangement is made 00:09:15.560 --> 00:09:17.740 and everybody's happy. 00:09:17.940 --> 00:09:18.399 Verse 2, 00:09:18.500 --> 00:09:20.379 he agreed to pay them a denarius. 00:09:21.700 --> 00:09:22.940 Which, if you have a note 00:09:22.940 --> 00:09:24.379 in the bottom of your Bible there, 00:09:24.500 --> 00:09:25.960 says it's a daily wage 00:09:25.960 --> 00:09:27.539 for a labourer. 00:09:28.639 --> 00:09:30.200 Now that's extremely generous 00:09:30.200 --> 00:09:33.180 for somebody who would be unskilled. 00:09:34.440 --> 00:09:36.360 So he agreed to pay them 00:09:36.360 --> 00:09:38.100 a day's wage 00:09:38.100 --> 00:09:39.900 and he sent them into the vineyard. 00:09:40.500 --> 00:09:42.180 But it seems the landowner 00:09:42.180 --> 00:09:44.740 has more room for workers. 00:09:44.900 --> 00:09:47.060 So he goes back down to job seekers 00:09:47.060 --> 00:09:49.080 and we're told in the text 00:09:49.080 --> 00:09:51.480 that four more times he goes. 00:09:51.580 --> 00:09:53.320 He goes back at 9am, 00:09:53.960 --> 00:09:55.100 12pm, 00:09:55.759 --> 00:09:56.800 3pm, 00:09:57.600 --> 00:09:59.580 and then again at 5pm. 00:10:00.200 --> 00:10:04.379 Each time he hires more workers. 00:10:05.660 --> 00:10:07.180 Now this isn't a story 00:10:07.180 --> 00:10:09.379 about how to reduce the unemployment. 00:10:10.460 --> 00:10:12.180 It's a story to tell us 00:10:12.180 --> 00:10:14.020 about God's heart. 00:10:15.160 --> 00:10:16.759 You see, there's an order here. 00:10:17.440 --> 00:10:19.460 Because it appears that the ones 00:10:19.460 --> 00:10:20.680 who are up early 00:10:20.680 --> 00:10:24.060 and who are first in the queue, 00:10:24.720 --> 00:10:26.640 well, they're the ones that get hired. 00:10:26.960 --> 00:10:28.379 They're fit and healthy. 00:10:28.379 --> 00:10:30.240 They're the best of the bunch. 00:10:30.700 --> 00:10:32.960 They get employed first. 00:10:32.960 --> 00:10:37.360 And as the day goes by, 00:10:37.519 --> 00:10:38.900 the standard of employee 00:10:38.900 --> 00:10:40.940 begins to drop significantly. 00:10:41.240 --> 00:10:43.019 As the best have been taken, 00:10:43.560 --> 00:10:46.180 so the dregs are left behind. 00:10:46.800 --> 00:10:47.620 The lazy, 00:10:47.840 --> 00:10:48.600 the good for nothing, 00:10:48.740 --> 00:10:49.240 the weak. 00:10:50.139 --> 00:10:52.120 The ones who always arrive late 00:10:52.120 --> 00:10:53.200 and go home early. 00:10:54.320 --> 00:10:55.480 You know the type. 00:10:56.120 --> 00:10:58.060 Always taking their smoke break 00:10:58.059 --> 00:10:59.059 and their tea break. 00:10:59.059 --> 00:10:59.079 They're the best of the people 00:10:59.079 --> 00:11:00.279 faffing about, 00:11:00.500 --> 00:11:01.539 wasting their day. 00:11:03.119 --> 00:11:04.739 But that doesn't seem 00:11:04.739 --> 00:11:06.179 to bother the landowner. 00:11:06.779 --> 00:11:07.479 Verse 6. 00:11:08.579 --> 00:11:10.279 About five in the afternoon, 00:11:11.179 --> 00:11:12.579 he went out and found 00:11:12.579 --> 00:11:14.439 still others standing around. 00:11:15.579 --> 00:11:16.439 He asked them, 00:11:17.279 --> 00:11:19.559 why have you been standing here 00:11:19.559 --> 00:11:21.779 all day long doing nothing? 00:11:21.779 --> 00:11:25.019 They're just hanging about, 00:11:25.339 --> 00:11:25.879 idle. 00:11:27.559 --> 00:11:28.600 Verse 7. 00:11:29.720 --> 00:11:31.659 Because no one has hired us. 00:11:32.379 --> 00:11:33.379 I wonder why. 00:11:34.679 --> 00:11:35.740 He said to them, 00:11:36.299 --> 00:11:38.179 you also go and work 00:11:38.179 --> 00:11:39.879 in my vineyard. 00:11:40.879 --> 00:11:41.299 You see, 00:11:41.379 --> 00:11:42.559 it's not just the best 00:11:42.559 --> 00:11:43.339 and the brightest 00:11:43.339 --> 00:11:44.439 who get employed, 00:11:45.259 --> 00:11:47.059 but it's also the least 00:11:47.059 --> 00:11:48.480 and the last. 00:11:48.480 --> 00:11:50.800 Because when it comes 00:11:50.800 --> 00:11:52.139 to the kingdom of heaven, 00:11:52.820 --> 00:11:55.279 no one is outside 00:11:55.279 --> 00:11:56.940 the welcome of God's grace. 00:11:58.139 --> 00:11:59.440 It's like this. 00:12:00.379 --> 00:12:01.600 Perhaps you know someone 00:12:01.600 --> 00:12:02.580 who heard the gospel. 00:12:02.740 --> 00:12:03.720 Maybe this is you. 00:12:04.680 --> 00:12:05.899 You heard the gospel 00:12:05.899 --> 00:12:08.360 and you responded straight away. 00:12:08.659 --> 00:12:10.180 You repented of your sins. 00:12:10.480 --> 00:12:12.159 You turned to faith in Jesus. 00:12:12.600 --> 00:12:13.440 You were baptized 00:12:13.440 --> 00:12:15.180 as a sign of your desire 00:12:15.180 --> 00:12:16.080 to follow him. 00:12:16.980 --> 00:12:17.920 You've been committed 00:12:17.919 --> 00:12:19.419 to your local church. 00:12:19.839 --> 00:12:21.179 You serve and you give 00:12:21.179 --> 00:12:21.959 as you're able. 00:12:22.399 --> 00:12:22.839 In fact, 00:12:22.939 --> 00:12:23.919 your whole life 00:12:23.919 --> 00:12:24.679 has been about 00:12:24.679 --> 00:12:26.259 putting the kingdom first. 00:12:29.459 --> 00:12:31.199 But maybe you know others 00:12:31.199 --> 00:12:33.679 who also hear the gospel. 00:12:34.599 --> 00:12:35.620 They've heard it 00:12:35.620 --> 00:12:37.139 many, many times. 00:12:38.360 --> 00:12:39.979 But they ignore it 00:12:39.979 --> 00:12:42.019 and they reject it. 00:12:42.519 --> 00:12:44.360 They make false commitments 00:12:44.360 --> 00:12:45.240 and promises. 00:12:45.639 --> 00:12:46.120 Oh yes, 00:12:46.179 --> 00:12:46.819 I'll be there. 00:12:46.820 --> 00:12:50.379 I'm going to change my life 00:12:50.379 --> 00:12:51.700 for real this time. 00:12:53.060 --> 00:12:54.760 But living as they please 00:12:54.760 --> 00:12:56.120 and they think of no one else 00:12:56.120 --> 00:12:56.879 but themselves. 00:12:58.780 --> 00:13:00.740 But then late on in life, 00:13:01.740 --> 00:13:04.140 they do turn in repentance 00:13:04.140 --> 00:13:05.440 and put their faith 00:13:05.440 --> 00:13:06.700 in Christ. 00:13:08.300 --> 00:13:09.840 What do you think of that? 00:13:09.840 --> 00:13:14.220 put yourself into this story. 00:13:15.720 --> 00:13:16.780 Think of yourself 00:13:16.780 --> 00:13:17.720 as the landowner. 00:13:18.780 --> 00:13:19.980 Who would you employ? 00:13:21.500 --> 00:13:22.019 Well, 00:13:22.060 --> 00:13:23.100 as I thought about it, 00:13:23.160 --> 00:13:24.320 I would only employ 00:13:24.320 --> 00:13:25.700 the 6am workers. 00:13:26.700 --> 00:13:27.680 I might 00:13:27.680 --> 00:13:30.500 employ the 9am ones too. 00:13:30.860 --> 00:13:32.060 But I'm certainly 00:13:32.060 --> 00:13:33.360 not going to employ 00:13:33.360 --> 00:13:34.900 anybody after that. 00:13:35.800 --> 00:13:38.440 Certainly not the 5pm hangabouts. 00:13:38.440 --> 00:13:42.000 But when it comes 00:13:42.000 --> 00:13:43.200 to the kingdom of heaven, 00:13:44.460 --> 00:13:45.100 no one 00:13:45.100 --> 00:13:46.380 is written off. 00:13:47.360 --> 00:13:48.440 Those who avail 00:13:48.440 --> 00:13:49.440 of the opportunity 00:13:49.440 --> 00:13:50.880 and respond straight away 00:13:50.880 --> 00:13:51.880 and those who 00:13:51.880 --> 00:13:52.880 misuse the opportunity 00:13:53.460 --> 00:13:54.780 and respond late, 00:13:56.260 --> 00:13:57.380 they're both 00:13:57.380 --> 00:13:58.460 welcome. 00:14:00.200 --> 00:14:00.900 Now this is 00:14:00.900 --> 00:14:01.840 good news 00:14:01.840 --> 00:14:02.680 for you and I. 00:14:02.679 --> 00:14:04.699 because perhaps 00:14:04.699 --> 00:14:05.559 you feel 00:14:05.559 --> 00:14:06.899 you've wasted 00:14:06.899 --> 00:14:07.719 your life. 00:14:08.879 --> 00:14:09.679 Maybe you feel 00:14:09.679 --> 00:14:10.799 you've blown it. 00:14:11.519 --> 00:14:13.120 Used every opportunity 00:14:13.120 --> 00:14:13.939 and chance 00:14:13.939 --> 00:14:15.139 you could possibly get. 00:14:15.500 --> 00:14:16.659 And everybody else 00:14:16.659 --> 00:14:18.139 just writes you off. 00:14:20.139 --> 00:14:21.079 But God 00:14:21.079 --> 00:14:22.339 writes no one off. 00:14:24.239 --> 00:14:24.959 You see, 00:14:25.039 --> 00:14:25.719 it doesn't matter 00:14:25.719 --> 00:14:27.279 whether you're a 6am-er 00:14:27.279 --> 00:14:29.919 or a 5pm-er. 00:14:31.199 --> 00:14:32.019 Know this. 00:14:33.079 --> 00:14:33.699 Today 00:14:33.699 --> 00:14:34.959 is an opportunity 00:14:34.959 --> 00:14:35.939 to respond 00:14:35.939 --> 00:14:36.639 to the good 00:14:36.639 --> 00:14:37.259 and gracious 00:14:37.259 --> 00:14:38.259 call of God. 00:14:38.740 --> 00:14:39.839 Don't waste it. 00:14:40.879 --> 00:14:42.039 The landowner 00:14:42.039 --> 00:14:42.759 is looking 00:14:42.759 --> 00:14:43.879 to hire 00:14:43.879 --> 00:14:45.000 workers 00:14:45.000 --> 00:14:46.339 for the vineyard. 00:14:46.340 --> 00:14:49.120 and we are 00:14:49.120 --> 00:14:49.879 all 00:14:49.879 --> 00:14:51.180 welcomed. 00:14:53.420 --> 00:14:53.960 So, 00:14:54.560 --> 00:14:55.320 the welcome 00:14:55.320 --> 00:14:56.040 of grace. 00:14:59.040 --> 00:14:59.680 Second, 00:14:59.879 --> 00:15:00.280 there's 00:15:00.280 --> 00:15:01.580 scandalous 00:15:01.580 --> 00:15:02.160 grace. 00:15:03.480 --> 00:15:04.240 Read with me 00:15:04.240 --> 00:15:04.920 verse 8. 00:15:06.420 --> 00:15:07.379 When evening 00:15:07.379 --> 00:15:07.920 came, 00:15:08.780 --> 00:15:09.519 when the day's 00:15:09.519 --> 00:15:10.180 work had been 00:15:10.180 --> 00:15:10.519 done, 00:15:11.340 --> 00:15:11.879 the owner 00:15:11.879 --> 00:15:12.580 of the vineyard 00:15:12.580 --> 00:15:13.320 said to his 00:15:13.320 --> 00:15:13.759 foreman, 00:15:14.600 --> 00:15:15.820 call the workers 00:15:15.820 --> 00:15:16.800 and pay them 00:15:16.800 --> 00:15:17.620 their wages, 00:15:18.360 --> 00:15:18.960 beginning with 00:15:18.960 --> 00:15:20.140 the last ones 00:15:20.140 --> 00:15:21.220 hired and going 00:15:21.220 --> 00:15:22.220 on to the first. 00:15:23.480 --> 00:15:23.740 Now, 00:15:23.800 --> 00:15:24.520 that just seems 00:15:24.520 --> 00:15:25.500 all out of place, 00:15:25.600 --> 00:15:26.220 doesn't it? 00:15:27.060 --> 00:15:27.600 Surely, 00:15:27.760 --> 00:15:28.360 the ones who 00:15:28.360 --> 00:15:28.879 were hired 00:15:28.879 --> 00:15:29.760 first 00:15:29.760 --> 00:15:31.400 should get 00:15:31.400 --> 00:15:32.260 paid first. 00:15:33.100 --> 00:15:33.879 But this all 00:15:33.879 --> 00:15:34.540 seems to be 00:15:34.540 --> 00:15:35.280 round the wrong 00:15:35.280 --> 00:15:35.580 way. 00:15:35.940 --> 00:15:37.040 The last ones 00:15:37.040 --> 00:15:37.780 getting paid 00:15:37.780 --> 00:15:38.320 first, 00:15:38.879 --> 00:15:39.200 I mean, 00:15:39.240 --> 00:15:40.380 that's scandalous. 00:15:41.760 --> 00:15:42.600 There's both 00:15:42.600 --> 00:15:43.400 a surprise 00:15:43.400 --> 00:15:45.140 and a shock. 00:15:45.820 --> 00:15:46.900 Look at the 00:15:46.900 --> 00:15:47.860 surprise in 00:15:47.860 --> 00:15:48.640 verse 9. 00:15:50.500 --> 00:15:51.440 The workers 00:15:51.440 --> 00:15:52.180 who were hired 00:15:52.180 --> 00:15:53.140 about five 00:15:53.140 --> 00:15:54.120 in the afternoon 00:15:54.120 --> 00:15:55.980 came and 00:15:55.980 --> 00:15:57.020 each received 00:15:57.020 --> 00:15:58.780 a denarius, 00:15:59.100 --> 00:16:00.160 a full day's 00:16:00.160 --> 00:16:00.900 wage. 00:16:01.960 --> 00:16:02.920 Those who 00:16:02.920 --> 00:16:03.620 had started 00:16:03.620 --> 00:16:04.120 late, 00:16:04.780 --> 00:16:05.379 who had got 00:16:05.379 --> 00:16:06.379 hired last, 00:16:07.180 --> 00:16:07.720 who only 00:16:07.720 --> 00:16:08.740 got to work 00:16:08.740 --> 00:16:09.660 one hour, 00:16:10.120 --> 00:16:10.700 if even 00:16:10.700 --> 00:16:11.140 that, 00:16:12.320 --> 00:16:13.280 also get 00:16:13.279 --> 00:16:14.539 a full 00:16:14.539 --> 00:16:14.919 day's 00:16:14.919 --> 00:16:15.399 wage. 00:16:16.799 --> 00:16:17.179 Well, 00:16:17.220 --> 00:16:17.559 you think, 00:16:17.600 --> 00:16:17.860 if the 00:16:17.860 --> 00:16:18.399 landowner 00:16:18.399 --> 00:16:18.860 is so 00:16:18.860 --> 00:16:19.360 generous 00:16:19.360 --> 00:16:19.959 to these 00:16:19.959 --> 00:16:20.379 guys, 00:16:20.600 --> 00:16:21.120 it can 00:16:21.120 --> 00:16:21.720 only mean 00:16:21.720 --> 00:16:22.459 one thing. 00:16:23.519 --> 00:16:24.419 Verse 10. 00:16:25.699 --> 00:16:25.980 So, 00:16:26.059 --> 00:16:26.699 when those 00:16:26.699 --> 00:16:27.039 who were 00:16:27.039 --> 00:16:27.980 hired first, 00:16:28.639 --> 00:16:29.720 they received, 00:16:29.819 --> 00:16:30.559 expected to 00:16:30.559 --> 00:16:31.899 receive more. 00:16:33.019 --> 00:16:33.480 I mean, 00:16:33.879 --> 00:16:34.579 the landowner 00:16:34.579 --> 00:16:34.959 is going to 00:16:34.959 --> 00:16:35.559 give us a 00:16:35.559 --> 00:16:36.220 bonus here 00:16:36.220 --> 00:16:36.620 for what 00:16:36.620 --> 00:16:37.199 we've done. 00:16:37.200 --> 00:16:40.220 but each 00:16:40.220 --> 00:16:40.740 one of them 00:16:40.740 --> 00:16:41.240 also 00:16:41.240 --> 00:16:42.879 received a 00:16:42.879 --> 00:16:43.379 denarius. 00:16:45.000 --> 00:16:45.460 They're 00:16:45.460 --> 00:16:46.060 shocked. 00:16:47.100 --> 00:16:47.580 They're 00:16:47.580 --> 00:16:48.120 stunned. 00:16:49.200 --> 00:16:49.620 It's a 00:16:49.620 --> 00:16:50.640 complete reversal 00:16:50.640 --> 00:16:51.300 of how 00:16:51.300 --> 00:16:52.259 we do 00:16:52.259 --> 00:16:52.879 things. 00:16:53.580 --> 00:16:53.980 You see, 00:16:54.060 --> 00:16:54.300 in the 00:16:54.300 --> 00:16:54.780 world's 00:16:54.780 --> 00:16:55.240 economy, 00:16:55.720 --> 00:16:56.379 it's all 00:16:56.379 --> 00:16:56.840 about 00:16:56.840 --> 00:16:57.900 performance. 00:16:59.100 --> 00:16:59.600 Everything 00:16:59.600 --> 00:17:00.340 is measured 00:17:00.340 --> 00:17:01.080 by what 00:17:01.080 --> 00:17:01.980 I do. 00:17:02.800 --> 00:17:03.580 We learn 00:17:03.580 --> 00:17:03.980 it from 00:17:03.980 --> 00:17:04.360 when we 00:17:04.360 --> 00:17:04.980 are small, 00:17:05.100 --> 00:17:05.519 don't we? 00:17:05.519 --> 00:17:07.279 get your 00:17:07.279 --> 00:17:07.680 homework 00:17:07.680 --> 00:17:08.319 right and 00:17:08.319 --> 00:17:08.779 I'll give 00:17:08.779 --> 00:17:09.180 you a 00:17:09.180 --> 00:17:10.539 gold star. 00:17:11.639 --> 00:17:12.339 Keep your 00:17:12.339 --> 00:17:13.079 room tidy 00:17:13.079 --> 00:17:14.160 and you'll 00:17:14.160 --> 00:17:14.639 get more 00:17:14.639 --> 00:17:15.420 pocket money. 00:17:16.279 --> 00:17:16.700 Win the 00:17:16.700 --> 00:17:17.279 race or 00:17:17.279 --> 00:17:17.660 win your 00:17:17.660 --> 00:17:18.279 match and 00:17:18.279 --> 00:17:19.259 people are 00:17:19.259 --> 00:17:19.619 going to 00:17:19.619 --> 00:17:20.460 love you. 00:17:23.039 --> 00:17:23.619 Gets a 00:17:23.619 --> 00:17:23.960 little bit 00:17:23.960 --> 00:17:24.819 more sophisticated 00:17:24.819 --> 00:17:25.700 but it's 00:17:25.700 --> 00:17:26.139 the same 00:17:26.139 --> 00:17:26.680 as we get 00:17:26.680 --> 00:17:27.059 older. 00:17:27.920 --> 00:17:28.720 Work hard 00:17:28.720 --> 00:17:29.119 and you'll 00:17:29.119 --> 00:17:29.559 get the 00:17:29.559 --> 00:17:30.039 promotion. 00:17:30.900 --> 00:17:31.660 Look well 00:17:31.660 --> 00:17:32.220 and keep 00:17:32.220 --> 00:17:33.240 fit and 00:17:33.240 --> 00:17:33.519 you will 00:17:33.519 --> 00:17:33.920 have the 00:17:33.920 --> 00:17:34.599 partner of 00:17:34.599 --> 00:17:35.379 your choice. 00:17:35.519 --> 00:17:37.160 better 00:17:37.160 --> 00:17:37.740 yourself 00:17:37.740 --> 00:17:39.299 and you 00:17:39.299 --> 00:17:39.680 will have 00:17:39.680 --> 00:17:40.259 a better 00:17:40.259 --> 00:17:40.859 life. 00:17:41.819 --> 00:17:42.420 Performance, 00:17:43.139 --> 00:17:43.779 performance, 00:17:44.619 --> 00:17:45.139 performance. 00:17:46.160 --> 00:17:46.839 Do well 00:17:46.839 --> 00:17:47.180 and you 00:17:47.180 --> 00:17:47.680 will get 00:17:47.680 --> 00:17:48.099 what you 00:17:48.099 --> 00:17:48.379 want. 00:17:48.759 --> 00:17:49.500 Do badly 00:17:49.500 --> 00:17:51.299 and you 00:17:51.299 --> 00:17:51.779 will lose 00:17:51.779 --> 00:17:52.440 out forever. 00:17:52.799 --> 00:17:53.500 That's the 00:17:53.500 --> 00:17:55.079 message we've 00:17:55.079 --> 00:17:55.599 grown up 00:17:55.599 --> 00:17:56.000 with. 00:17:56.960 --> 00:17:57.519 And that's 00:17:57.519 --> 00:17:57.900 what we 00:17:57.900 --> 00:17:58.420 think is 00:17:58.420 --> 00:17:58.940 the message 00:17:58.940 --> 00:17:59.519 about the 00:17:59.519 --> 00:18:00.039 kingdom of 00:18:00.039 --> 00:18:00.299 heaven. 00:18:00.599 --> 00:18:00.859 Well, 00:18:00.920 --> 00:18:01.240 the way 00:18:01.240 --> 00:18:01.559 of the 00:18:01.559 --> 00:18:01.859 kingdom 00:18:01.859 --> 00:18:02.639 is not 00:18:02.639 --> 00:18:03.539 the way 00:18:03.539 --> 00:18:03.839 of the 00:18:03.839 --> 00:18:04.139 world. 00:18:04.140 --> 00:18:04.300 world. 00:18:05.200 --> 00:18:05.500 It's 00:18:05.500 --> 00:18:05.940 never 00:18:05.940 --> 00:18:06.360 about 00:18:06.360 --> 00:18:06.660 our 00:18:06.660 --> 00:18:07.200 performance 00:18:07.200 --> 00:18:08.500 but God's 00:18:08.500 --> 00:18:09.000 acceptance 00:18:09.000 --> 00:18:09.720 of us 00:18:09.720 --> 00:18:10.980 in Christ. 00:18:12.240 --> 00:18:12.660 You see, 00:18:12.780 --> 00:18:13.340 Jesus is 00:18:13.340 --> 00:18:14.080 teaching us 00:18:14.080 --> 00:18:14.780 that our 00:18:14.780 --> 00:18:15.580 performance 00:18:15.580 --> 00:18:16.940 counts for 00:18:16.940 --> 00:18:18.340 nothing. 00:18:19.780 --> 00:18:20.920 If performance 00:18:20.920 --> 00:18:21.620 mattered, 00:18:22.680 --> 00:18:23.180 then the 00:18:23.180 --> 00:18:23.660 ones in 00:18:23.660 --> 00:18:24.300 this story 00:18:24.300 --> 00:18:24.700 who had 00:18:24.700 --> 00:18:25.040 worked 00:18:25.040 --> 00:18:25.759 longer and 00:18:25.759 --> 00:18:26.120 harder 00:18:26.120 --> 00:18:26.940 would have 00:18:26.940 --> 00:18:27.500 received 00:18:27.500 --> 00:18:28.560 way more. 00:18:28.559 --> 00:18:30.240 and if 00:18:30.240 --> 00:18:30.899 performance 00:18:30.899 --> 00:18:31.519 counted, 00:18:32.019 --> 00:18:32.639 then those 00:18:32.639 --> 00:18:32.940 who had 00:18:32.940 --> 00:18:33.259 worked 00:18:33.259 --> 00:18:33.899 shorter 00:18:33.899 --> 00:18:34.899 and didn't 00:18:34.899 --> 00:18:35.519 even break 00:18:35.519 --> 00:18:36.319 a sweat 00:18:36.319 --> 00:18:37.740 would have 00:18:37.740 --> 00:18:38.279 received 00:18:38.279 --> 00:18:39.419 less. 00:18:40.740 --> 00:18:41.539 But in 00:18:41.539 --> 00:18:42.000 God's 00:18:42.000 --> 00:18:42.500 economy, 00:18:43.539 --> 00:18:44.419 each one 00:18:44.419 --> 00:18:45.299 gets the 00:18:45.299 --> 00:18:45.759 same 00:18:45.759 --> 00:18:47.639 because it's 00:18:47.639 --> 00:18:49.159 all by 00:18:49.159 --> 00:18:49.700 grace. 00:18:51.119 --> 00:18:51.500 You see, 00:18:51.579 --> 00:18:51.980 the only 00:18:51.980 --> 00:18:52.539 performance 00:18:52.539 --> 00:18:53.279 that counts 00:18:53.279 --> 00:18:53.799 is what 00:18:53.799 --> 00:18:55.119 Christ has 00:18:55.119 --> 00:18:56.200 done for 00:18:56.200 --> 00:18:56.599 you. 00:18:56.599 --> 00:18:59.179 Christ 00:18:59.179 --> 00:19:00.399 does 00:19:00.399 --> 00:19:00.959 everything. 00:19:02.279 --> 00:19:02.939 Jesus has 00:19:02.939 --> 00:19:03.980 lived the 00:19:03.980 --> 00:19:04.839 perfect life 00:19:04.839 --> 00:19:05.399 for you. 00:19:05.799 --> 00:19:06.259 He never 00:19:06.259 --> 00:19:06.919 sinned. 00:19:07.199 --> 00:19:07.899 He obeyed 00:19:07.899 --> 00:19:09.199 God perfectly 00:19:09.199 --> 00:19:10.399 for you 00:19:10.399 --> 00:19:10.819 and for 00:19:10.819 --> 00:19:11.059 me. 00:19:12.119 --> 00:19:12.879 He lives 00:19:12.879 --> 00:19:13.519 the life 00:19:13.519 --> 00:19:13.959 that we 00:19:13.959 --> 00:19:14.559 could never 00:19:14.559 --> 00:19:14.879 live. 00:19:15.159 --> 00:19:15.699 But more 00:19:15.699 --> 00:19:16.139 than that, 00:19:16.259 --> 00:19:17.779 Jesus dies 00:19:17.779 --> 00:19:18.740 our death 00:19:18.740 --> 00:19:19.399 for us. 00:19:20.299 --> 00:19:20.879 He was 00:19:20.879 --> 00:19:22.439 treated as 00:19:22.439 --> 00:19:23.299 sinful for 00:19:23.299 --> 00:19:23.500 us. 00:19:23.759 --> 00:19:24.119 He was 00:19:24.119 --> 00:19:24.859 punished for 00:19:24.859 --> 00:19:25.899 our disobedience. 00:19:25.900 --> 00:19:27.220 Jesus died 00:19:27.220 --> 00:19:27.780 the death 00:19:27.780 --> 00:19:28.200 that we 00:19:28.200 --> 00:19:28.700 deserve. 00:19:30.500 --> 00:19:31.160 But as 00:19:31.160 --> 00:19:31.940 we simply 00:19:31.940 --> 00:19:32.840 trust him 00:19:32.840 --> 00:19:33.980 through faith, 00:19:34.240 --> 00:19:35.180 we receive 00:19:35.180 --> 00:19:35.800 God's 00:19:35.800 --> 00:19:36.340 good and 00:19:36.340 --> 00:19:36.960 gracious 00:19:36.960 --> 00:19:38.380 free gift, 00:19:39.340 --> 00:19:39.960 the forgiveness 00:19:39.960 --> 00:19:41.120 of all 00:19:41.120 --> 00:19:41.740 our sins. 00:19:43.500 --> 00:19:43.880 Maybe 00:19:43.880 --> 00:19:44.500 there's sin 00:19:44.500 --> 00:19:45.120 that's weighing 00:19:45.120 --> 00:19:45.620 you down 00:19:45.620 --> 00:19:46.100 today. 00:19:47.380 --> 00:19:48.259 He forgives 00:19:48.259 --> 00:19:49.680 all your 00:19:49.680 --> 00:19:50.060 sin. 00:19:50.059 --> 00:19:52.059 God's 00:19:52.059 --> 00:19:52.579 presence of 00:19:52.579 --> 00:19:52.740 the 00:19:52.740 --> 00:19:53.440 transforming 00:19:53.440 --> 00:19:54.159 spirit, 00:19:54.599 --> 00:19:55.279 God 00:19:55.279 --> 00:19:56.579 living within 00:19:56.579 --> 00:19:56.839 you. 00:19:56.940 --> 00:19:57.279 This is 00:19:57.279 --> 00:19:57.740 what we 00:19:57.740 --> 00:19:58.539 receive. 00:19:59.379 --> 00:19:59.960 The joy 00:19:59.960 --> 00:20:00.379 of being 00:20:00.379 --> 00:20:00.940 adopted 00:20:00.940 --> 00:20:02.319 into God's 00:20:02.319 --> 00:20:03.220 family to 00:20:03.220 --> 00:20:03.940 talk to the 00:20:03.940 --> 00:20:04.639 creator of 00:20:04.639 --> 00:20:05.200 the universe 00:20:05.200 --> 00:20:05.720 as our 00:20:05.720 --> 00:20:07.839 father who 00:20:07.839 --> 00:20:08.480 gives good 00:20:08.480 --> 00:20:09.700 gifts continually 00:20:09.700 --> 00:20:10.299 to his 00:20:10.299 --> 00:20:10.740 children, 00:20:11.779 --> 00:20:12.419 the support 00:20:12.419 --> 00:20:12.819 of his 00:20:12.819 --> 00:20:13.379 family, 00:20:13.899 --> 00:20:14.519 brothers and 00:20:14.519 --> 00:20:15.339 sisters around 00:20:15.339 --> 00:20:15.940 us today, 00:20:16.279 --> 00:20:17.039 the guarantee 00:20:17.039 --> 00:20:17.980 of life in 00:20:17.980 --> 00:20:18.460 God's 00:20:18.460 --> 00:20:18.880 eternal 00:20:18.880 --> 00:20:19.920 kingdom where 00:20:19.920 --> 00:20:20.819 everything will 00:20:20.819 --> 00:20:21.240 be put 00:20:21.240 --> 00:20:21.740 right. 00:20:23.400 --> 00:20:24.200 All 00:20:24.200 --> 00:20:25.160 freely 00:20:25.160 --> 00:20:26.019 given 00:20:26.019 --> 00:20:27.860 to you 00:20:27.860 --> 00:20:29.079 to receive 00:20:29.079 --> 00:20:30.880 because of 00:20:30.880 --> 00:20:31.579 what Christ 00:20:31.579 --> 00:20:32.299 has done 00:20:32.299 --> 00:20:33.420 for you. 00:20:34.680 --> 00:20:35.220 Our 00:20:35.220 --> 00:20:36.220 performance 00:20:36.220 --> 00:20:37.539 counts for 00:20:37.539 --> 00:20:38.019 nothing, 00:20:39.059 --> 00:20:39.740 zilch, 00:20:40.279 --> 00:20:40.819 zero, 00:20:41.720 --> 00:20:42.140 nada. 00:20:43.400 --> 00:20:44.039 The only 00:20:44.039 --> 00:20:45.079 performance that 00:20:45.079 --> 00:20:45.980 counts is what 00:20:45.980 --> 00:20:46.860 Christ has 00:20:46.860 --> 00:20:47.180 done. 00:20:47.180 --> 00:20:48.320 God 00:20:48.320 --> 00:20:49.420 pays out 00:20:49.420 --> 00:20:50.400 to us 00:20:50.400 --> 00:20:52.060 what 00:20:52.060 --> 00:20:53.039 someone else 00:20:53.039 --> 00:20:54.500 has earned 00:20:54.500 --> 00:20:55.340 for us. 00:20:56.400 --> 00:20:57.200 God 00:20:57.200 --> 00:20:58.340 pays out 00:20:58.340 --> 00:20:58.960 to you 00:20:58.960 --> 00:20:59.480 today 00:20:59.480 --> 00:21:01.360 what 00:21:01.360 --> 00:21:02.160 Christ has 00:21:02.160 --> 00:21:02.580 earned 00:21:02.580 --> 00:21:03.660 for you. 00:21:04.940 --> 00:21:05.880 That's the 00:21:05.880 --> 00:21:06.360 scandal 00:21:06.360 --> 00:21:08.060 of grace. 00:21:10.420 --> 00:21:11.720 So there's 00:21:11.720 --> 00:21:12.340 the welcome, 00:21:13.720 --> 00:21:14.759 there's the 00:21:14.759 --> 00:21:15.299 scandal, 00:21:15.299 --> 00:21:18.240 and there's 00:21:18.240 --> 00:21:18.839 generous 00:21:18.839 --> 00:21:19.740 grace. 00:21:21.039 --> 00:21:21.419 Look at 00:21:21.419 --> 00:21:22.059 verse 11. 00:21:25.720 --> 00:21:26.740 When those 00:21:26.740 --> 00:21:27.059 who had 00:21:27.059 --> 00:21:27.799 been hired 00:21:27.799 --> 00:21:28.279 first, 00:21:28.399 --> 00:21:28.779 when they 00:21:28.779 --> 00:21:29.500 received 00:21:29.500 --> 00:21:30.480 their pay, 00:21:31.480 --> 00:21:32.319 they began 00:21:32.319 --> 00:21:33.119 to grumble 00:21:33.119 --> 00:21:33.879 against the 00:21:33.879 --> 00:21:34.440 landowner. 00:21:35.599 --> 00:21:36.440 These who 00:21:36.440 --> 00:21:37.019 were hired 00:21:37.019 --> 00:21:37.859 last worked 00:21:37.859 --> 00:21:38.639 only one 00:21:38.639 --> 00:21:38.940 hour, 00:21:39.059 --> 00:21:39.579 they said, 00:21:39.579 --> 00:21:40.419 people 00:21:40.419 --> 00:21:41.099 and you've 00:21:41.099 --> 00:21:41.579 made them 00:21:41.579 --> 00:21:42.240 equal to 00:21:42.240 --> 00:21:42.579 us, 00:21:42.819 --> 00:21:43.240 who have 00:21:43.240 --> 00:21:43.720 borne the 00:21:43.720 --> 00:21:44.399 burden of 00:21:44.399 --> 00:21:44.839 the work 00:21:44.839 --> 00:21:45.220 and the 00:21:45.220 --> 00:21:45.679 heat of 00:21:45.679 --> 00:21:46.099 the day. 00:21:47.740 --> 00:21:48.500 Time to 00:21:48.500 --> 00:21:48.899 get the 00:21:48.899 --> 00:21:49.359 unions 00:21:49.359 --> 00:21:50.039 involved. 00:21:50.819 --> 00:21:51.419 This is 00:21:51.419 --> 00:21:52.299 outrageous. 00:21:53.579 --> 00:21:53.960 I mean, 00:21:54.019 --> 00:21:54.460 who wouldn't 00:21:54.460 --> 00:21:55.039 be annoyed? 00:21:56.059 --> 00:21:56.759 These guys 00:21:56.759 --> 00:21:57.240 have done 00:21:57.240 --> 00:21:57.939 little to 00:21:57.939 --> 00:21:58.359 nothing, 00:21:58.799 --> 00:21:59.220 and they're 00:21:59.220 --> 00:21:59.720 getting the 00:21:59.720 --> 00:22:00.019 same. 00:22:00.019 --> 00:22:02.779 I have 00:22:02.779 --> 00:22:03.619 sympathy for 00:22:03.619 --> 00:22:04.139 those who 00:22:04.139 --> 00:22:04.639 are up at 00:22:04.639 --> 00:22:06.359 6am to 00:22:06.359 --> 00:22:06.779 go to 00:22:06.779 --> 00:22:07.200 work, 00:22:07.720 --> 00:22:08.759 these hard 00:22:08.759 --> 00:22:09.240 working 00:22:09.240 --> 00:22:09.859 people. 00:22:10.900 --> 00:22:11.319 If that 00:22:11.319 --> 00:22:11.740 were you 00:22:11.740 --> 00:22:12.279 and I in 00:22:12.279 --> 00:22:13.079 this situation, 00:22:13.460 --> 00:22:14.160 we'd be out, 00:22:14.259 --> 00:22:14.460 wouldn't 00:22:14.460 --> 00:22:14.700 be, 00:22:14.879 --> 00:22:15.359 with our 00:22:15.359 --> 00:22:16.039 placards, 00:22:16.379 --> 00:22:17.460 equal pay, 00:22:18.559 --> 00:22:19.200 taking to 00:22:19.200 --> 00:22:20.160 social media. 00:22:20.879 --> 00:22:21.259 It's 00:22:21.259 --> 00:22:22.079 completely 00:22:22.079 --> 00:22:22.879 unfair. 00:22:23.259 --> 00:22:23.799 Where's the 00:22:23.799 --> 00:22:24.599 justice in 00:22:24.599 --> 00:22:25.019 any of 00:22:25.019 --> 00:22:25.420 this? 00:22:27.920 --> 00:22:28.980 Verse 13. 00:22:30.019 --> 00:22:31.539 But the 00:22:31.539 --> 00:22:32.039 landowner 00:22:32.039 --> 00:22:32.799 answered one 00:22:32.799 --> 00:22:33.119 of them, 00:22:33.900 --> 00:22:35.460 I am not 00:22:35.460 --> 00:22:36.700 being unfair 00:22:36.700 --> 00:22:37.279 to you, 00:22:37.440 --> 00:22:37.700 friend. 00:22:39.339 --> 00:22:39.879 Didn't you 00:22:39.879 --> 00:22:40.500 agree to 00:22:40.500 --> 00:22:40.980 work for 00:22:40.980 --> 00:22:41.539 a denarius? 00:22:43.000 --> 00:22:43.900 Take your 00:22:43.900 --> 00:22:45.420 pay and 00:22:45.420 --> 00:22:45.720 go. 00:22:47.639 --> 00:22:48.059 You see, 00:22:48.119 --> 00:22:48.720 the landowner 00:22:48.720 --> 00:22:49.240 has cheated 00:22:49.240 --> 00:22:49.839 no one. 00:22:50.700 --> 00:22:51.480 He's treated 00:22:51.480 --> 00:22:52.480 everyone 00:22:52.480 --> 00:22:53.539 fairly. 00:22:54.519 --> 00:22:55.039 They got 00:22:55.039 --> 00:22:56.500 paid what 00:22:56.500 --> 00:22:57.059 was agreed. 00:22:57.920 --> 00:22:58.400 In fact, 00:22:58.400 --> 00:22:59.599 they've all 00:22:59.599 --> 00:23:00.519 got more 00:23:00.519 --> 00:23:01.639 than what 00:23:01.639 --> 00:23:02.379 they deserved. 00:23:05.139 --> 00:23:05.879 You see, 00:23:05.959 --> 00:23:06.439 we need to 00:23:06.439 --> 00:23:07.279 remember that 00:23:07.279 --> 00:23:07.719 what we 00:23:07.719 --> 00:23:08.500 receive from 00:23:08.500 --> 00:23:10.299 God is 00:23:10.299 --> 00:23:10.959 not because 00:23:10.959 --> 00:23:11.379 of our 00:23:11.379 --> 00:23:11.980 performance, 00:23:12.779 --> 00:23:13.919 but because 00:23:13.919 --> 00:23:14.319 of his 00:23:14.319 --> 00:23:14.919 grace to 00:23:14.919 --> 00:23:15.379 us. 00:23:17.000 --> 00:23:17.500 You see, 00:23:17.559 --> 00:23:17.879 at one 00:23:17.879 --> 00:23:18.240 level, 00:23:19.240 --> 00:23:19.919 these guys 00:23:19.919 --> 00:23:20.659 are right 00:23:20.659 --> 00:23:21.419 to grumble. 00:23:21.579 --> 00:23:22.439 We associate 00:23:22.439 --> 00:23:23.139 with them, 00:23:23.219 --> 00:23:23.599 don't we? 00:23:23.599 --> 00:23:24.559 We feel 00:23:24.559 --> 00:23:25.539 their heartache 00:23:25.539 --> 00:23:25.899 and their 00:23:25.899 --> 00:23:26.619 pain. 00:23:27.639 --> 00:23:28.159 This is 00:23:28.159 --> 00:23:29.279 not fair. 00:23:30.700 --> 00:23:31.599 But that's 00:23:31.599 --> 00:23:32.379 the point. 00:23:33.700 --> 00:23:34.039 You see, 00:23:34.159 --> 00:23:34.899 think about it. 00:23:34.940 --> 00:23:35.559 If God 00:23:35.559 --> 00:23:35.980 were to 00:23:35.980 --> 00:23:36.599 treat us 00:23:36.599 --> 00:23:37.240 fairly, 00:23:38.240 --> 00:23:39.559 we would 00:23:39.559 --> 00:23:40.279 get nothing. 00:23:41.639 --> 00:23:42.539 If God 00:23:42.539 --> 00:23:42.940 were to 00:23:42.940 --> 00:23:43.519 treat us 00:23:43.519 --> 00:23:44.279 justly, 00:23:45.079 --> 00:23:45.940 then we 00:23:45.940 --> 00:23:46.319 would have 00:23:46.319 --> 00:23:46.980 to pay for 00:23:46.980 --> 00:23:47.519 our own 00:23:47.519 --> 00:23:47.839 sin, 00:23:48.220 --> 00:23:48.599 and we 00:23:48.599 --> 00:23:48.980 would have 00:23:48.980 --> 00:23:49.500 to face 00:23:49.500 --> 00:23:50.319 his wrath. 00:23:50.960 --> 00:23:51.659 If it's 00:23:51.659 --> 00:23:52.740 fairness from 00:23:52.740 --> 00:23:53.380 God that 00:23:53.380 --> 00:23:54.059 we want, 00:23:55.220 --> 00:23:55.900 then hell 00:23:55.900 --> 00:23:56.299 is what 00:23:56.299 --> 00:23:56.599 we've 00:23:56.599 --> 00:23:57.099 earned and 00:23:57.099 --> 00:23:57.460 what we 00:23:57.460 --> 00:23:57.900 deserve. 00:23:59.620 --> 00:24:00.039 You see, 00:24:00.160 --> 00:24:00.839 grace by 00:24:00.839 --> 00:24:01.599 definition 00:24:01.599 --> 00:24:03.480 is never 00:24:03.480 --> 00:24:03.980 fair. 00:24:05.099 --> 00:24:06.200 Because grace 00:24:06.200 --> 00:24:06.980 is receiving 00:24:06.980 --> 00:24:07.500 what we 00:24:07.500 --> 00:24:08.299 cannot earn 00:24:08.299 --> 00:24:09.180 and what we 00:24:09.180 --> 00:24:10.000 don't deserve. 00:24:10.500 --> 00:24:11.180 That's 00:24:11.180 --> 00:24:12.539 not fair. 00:24:15.000 --> 00:24:15.859 But are we 00:24:15.859 --> 00:24:16.120 going to 00:24:16.120 --> 00:24:16.400 grumble 00:24:16.400 --> 00:24:17.240 about that? 00:24:18.559 --> 00:24:19.380 I don't 00:24:19.380 --> 00:24:19.920 think so. 00:24:21.200 --> 00:24:22.299 Three things. 00:24:22.740 --> 00:24:23.819 to think 00:24:23.819 --> 00:24:24.400 about as 00:24:24.400 --> 00:24:25.140 we close 00:24:25.140 --> 00:24:25.640 that we 00:24:25.640 --> 00:24:26.420 must get 00:24:26.420 --> 00:24:27.120 to grips 00:24:27.120 --> 00:24:27.480 with. 00:24:28.599 --> 00:24:29.200 Here's the 00:24:29.200 --> 00:24:29.599 first. 00:24:30.799 --> 00:24:31.319 God 00:24:31.319 --> 00:24:32.059 desires 00:24:32.059 --> 00:24:33.240 to give 00:24:33.240 --> 00:24:33.819 grace. 00:24:34.799 --> 00:24:35.319 Look at 00:24:35.319 --> 00:24:36.099 verse 14. 00:24:37.299 --> 00:24:37.539 The 00:24:37.539 --> 00:24:38.200 landowner, 00:24:39.920 --> 00:24:40.400 take 00:24:40.400 --> 00:24:41.259 your pay 00:24:41.259 --> 00:24:41.720 and go. 00:24:42.799 --> 00:24:43.200 I 00:24:43.200 --> 00:24:44.120 want to 00:24:44.120 --> 00:24:44.759 give the 00:24:44.759 --> 00:24:45.319 one who 00:24:45.319 --> 00:24:46.000 was hired 00:24:46.000 --> 00:24:46.640 last 00:24:46.640 --> 00:24:48.180 the same 00:24:48.180 --> 00:24:48.579 as I 00:24:48.579 --> 00:24:49.200 gave you. 00:24:49.960 --> 00:24:50.339 I 00:24:50.339 --> 00:24:52.019 want to 00:24:52.019 --> 00:24:52.440 give. 00:24:52.740 --> 00:24:54.140 God 00:24:54.140 --> 00:24:54.559 is not 00:24:54.559 --> 00:24:55.720 a mean, 00:24:55.960 --> 00:24:56.839 tight-fisted, 00:24:57.440 --> 00:24:57.920 vengeful 00:24:57.920 --> 00:24:58.299 God 00:24:58.299 --> 00:24:58.920 looking to 00:24:58.920 --> 00:24:59.759 squash any 00:24:59.759 --> 00:25:00.859 unsuspecting 00:25:00.859 --> 00:25:01.240 sinner. 00:25:02.319 --> 00:25:02.559 No, 00:25:02.599 --> 00:25:03.039 God is 00:25:03.039 --> 00:25:04.140 generous. 00:25:05.380 --> 00:25:05.539 He 00:25:05.539 --> 00:25:06.720 longs to 00:25:06.720 --> 00:25:07.000 give 00:25:07.000 --> 00:25:07.559 grace. 00:25:09.160 --> 00:25:09.559 Consider 00:25:09.559 --> 00:25:10.299 how God 00:25:10.299 --> 00:25:11.319 has revealed 00:25:11.319 --> 00:25:12.079 his character 00:25:12.079 --> 00:25:12.720 to us. 00:25:13.240 --> 00:25:13.859 Just look 00:25:13.859 --> 00:25:14.240 with me, 00:25:14.359 --> 00:25:14.599 please. 00:25:14.680 --> 00:25:15.039 Keep your 00:25:15.039 --> 00:25:15.519 finger in 00:25:15.519 --> 00:25:16.339 Matthew 20 00:25:16.339 --> 00:25:17.859 and just 00:25:17.859 --> 00:25:18.419 jump back 00:25:18.419 --> 00:25:19.119 to Psalm 00:25:19.119 --> 00:25:20.000 103. 00:25:21.619 --> 00:25:22.379 Psalm 00:25:22.379 --> 00:25:23.159 103. 00:25:23.159 --> 00:25:24.159 Psalm 00:25:24.159 --> 00:25:25.159 103. 00:25:32.220 --> 00:25:33.099 Psalm 00:25:33.099 --> 00:25:33.899 103. 00:25:35.359 --> 00:25:36.399 And let's 00:25:36.399 --> 00:25:37.379 just take in 00:25:37.379 --> 00:25:39.240 God's 00:25:39.240 --> 00:25:39.980 character, 00:25:40.240 --> 00:25:41.039 how he 00:25:41.039 --> 00:25:42.359 describes 00:25:42.359 --> 00:25:42.899 himself, 00:25:42.900 --> 00:25:43.540 how he 00:25:43.540 --> 00:25:44.600 reveals his 00:25:44.600 --> 00:25:46.000 nature to 00:25:46.000 --> 00:25:46.480 us. 00:25:51.600 --> 00:25:52.440 The 00:25:52.440 --> 00:25:53.100 psalmist is 00:25:53.100 --> 00:25:54.180 recording a 00:25:54.180 --> 00:25:55.120 terrible event 00:25:55.120 --> 00:25:56.460 in Israel's 00:25:56.460 --> 00:25:57.080 past, 00:25:57.880 --> 00:25:58.960 where they 00:25:58.960 --> 00:25:59.960 sinned awfully. 00:26:01.320 --> 00:26:02.120 But this was 00:26:02.120 --> 00:26:02.940 the response. 00:26:03.400 --> 00:26:03.920 Verse 7. 00:26:05.480 --> 00:26:06.500 God made 00:26:06.500 --> 00:26:07.040 known his 00:26:07.040 --> 00:26:07.640 ways to 00:26:07.640 --> 00:26:08.000 Moses, 00:26:08.180 --> 00:26:08.880 his deeds 00:26:08.880 --> 00:26:09.259 to the 00:26:09.259 --> 00:26:09.740 people of 00:26:09.740 --> 00:26:10.160 Israel. 00:26:11.500 --> 00:26:12.200 The 00:26:12.200 --> 00:26:12.759 Lord is 00:26:12.759 --> 00:26:13.559 compassionate 00:26:13.559 --> 00:26:14.400 and gracious, 00:26:15.799 --> 00:26:16.700 slow to 00:26:16.700 --> 00:26:17.160 anger, 00:26:18.500 --> 00:26:19.099 abounding 00:26:19.099 --> 00:26:19.819 in love. 00:26:21.200 --> 00:26:21.660 He will 00:26:21.660 --> 00:26:22.359 not always 00:26:22.359 --> 00:26:22.819 accuse. 00:26:23.940 --> 00:26:24.380 He will 00:26:24.380 --> 00:26:25.200 not harbour 00:26:25.200 --> 00:26:25.859 his anger 00:26:25.859 --> 00:26:26.359 forever. 00:26:27.680 --> 00:26:28.259 He does 00:26:28.259 --> 00:26:29.000 not treat 00:26:29.000 --> 00:26:29.960 us as our 00:26:29.960 --> 00:26:31.000 sins deserve 00:26:31.000 --> 00:26:32.740 or repay 00:26:32.740 --> 00:26:33.579 us according 00:26:33.579 --> 00:26:34.220 to our 00:26:34.220 --> 00:26:35.000 iniquities. 00:26:35.640 --> 00:26:36.480 For as 00:26:36.480 --> 00:26:37.099 high as the 00:26:37.099 --> 00:26:37.660 heavens are 00:26:37.660 --> 00:26:38.180 above the 00:26:38.180 --> 00:26:39.200 earth, so 00:26:39.200 --> 00:26:40.039 great is 00:26:40.039 --> 00:26:40.620 his love 00:26:40.620 --> 00:26:41.160 for those 00:26:41.160 --> 00:26:41.640 who fear 00:26:41.640 --> 00:26:41.880 him. 00:26:42.519 --> 00:26:43.200 As far 00:26:43.200 --> 00:26:43.600 as the 00:26:43.600 --> 00:26:44.420 east is 00:26:44.420 --> 00:26:44.799 from the 00:26:44.799 --> 00:26:47.600 west, so 00:26:47.600 --> 00:26:48.340 far has 00:26:48.340 --> 00:26:49.140 he removed 00:26:49.140 --> 00:26:50.279 our 00:26:50.279 --> 00:26:51.160 transgressions 00:26:51.160 --> 00:26:51.960 from us. 00:26:54.759 --> 00:26:55.660 I want to 00:26:55.660 --> 00:26:56.059 sing that 00:26:56.059 --> 00:26:56.799 song again, 00:26:57.080 --> 00:26:57.600 don't you? 00:26:59.740 --> 00:27:00.519 Back to 00:27:00.519 --> 00:27:01.279 Matthew 20. 00:27:01.460 --> 00:27:02.120 God does 00:27:02.120 --> 00:27:03.259 not ignore 00:27:03.259 --> 00:27:04.039 our sin. 00:27:05.500 --> 00:27:06.039 It says 00:27:06.039 --> 00:27:06.640 very clearly 00:27:06.640 --> 00:27:07.539 he will deal 00:27:07.539 --> 00:27:08.160 with it, but 00:27:08.160 --> 00:27:08.940 his heart is 00:27:08.940 --> 00:27:09.380 one of 00:27:09.380 --> 00:27:10.340 compassion. 00:27:10.900 --> 00:27:11.240 He is 00:27:11.240 --> 00:27:12.059 abounding 00:27:12.059 --> 00:27:12.700 in love. 00:27:13.019 --> 00:27:13.860 He desires 00:27:13.860 --> 00:27:15.279 to give 00:27:15.279 --> 00:27:15.920 grace. 00:27:17.059 --> 00:27:17.600 And this 00:27:17.600 --> 00:27:17.920 is the 00:27:17.920 --> 00:27:18.440 God who 00:27:18.440 --> 00:27:18.980 comes to 00:27:18.980 --> 00:27:19.500 each one 00:27:19.500 --> 00:27:19.820 of us 00:27:19.820 --> 00:27:20.200 today. 00:27:20.200 --> 00:27:21.259 Whoever we 00:27:21.259 --> 00:27:22.779 are, whatever 00:27:22.779 --> 00:27:23.440 you have 00:27:23.440 --> 00:27:26.080 done, he 00:27:26.080 --> 00:27:26.820 loves you. 00:27:28.000 --> 00:27:29.200 He loves 00:27:29.200 --> 00:27:29.539 you. 00:27:30.779 --> 00:27:31.620 His heart 00:27:31.620 --> 00:27:33.019 is for 00:27:33.019 --> 00:27:33.340 you. 00:27:35.100 --> 00:27:36.380 God desires 00:27:36.380 --> 00:27:36.900 to give 00:27:36.900 --> 00:27:37.380 grace. 00:27:39.380 --> 00:27:40.440 Second, God 00:27:40.440 --> 00:27:41.360 distributes 00:27:41.360 --> 00:27:42.360 his grace 00:27:42.360 --> 00:27:43.060 as he 00:27:43.060 --> 00:27:43.640 pleases. 00:27:45.260 --> 00:27:45.760 Look at 00:27:45.760 --> 00:27:46.440 verse 15, 00:27:46.560 --> 00:27:46.820 Matthew 00:27:46.820 --> 00:27:47.640 chapter 20, 00:27:47.720 --> 00:27:48.460 verse 15. 00:27:51.660 --> 00:27:52.860 Don't I 00:27:52.860 --> 00:27:53.500 have the 00:27:53.500 --> 00:27:54.060 right to 00:27:54.060 --> 00:27:54.720 do what 00:27:54.720 --> 00:27:56.120 I want 00:27:56.120 --> 00:27:56.640 with 00:27:56.640 --> 00:27:58.760 my 00:27:58.760 --> 00:27:59.880 own 00:27:59.880 --> 00:28:00.820 money? 00:28:00.819 --> 00:28:00.879 me? 00:28:02.259 --> 00:28:03.000 Or are 00:28:03.000 --> 00:28:03.179 you 00:28:03.179 --> 00:28:03.619 envious 00:28:03.619 --> 00:28:04.539 because I 00:28:04.539 --> 00:28:04.720 am 00:28:04.720 --> 00:28:05.259 generous? 00:28:07.399 --> 00:28:08.259 Again, it's 00:28:08.259 --> 00:28:08.879 speaking of 00:28:08.879 --> 00:28:09.460 God, isn't 00:28:09.460 --> 00:28:09.720 it? 00:28:10.659 --> 00:28:11.299 Grace 00:28:11.299 --> 00:28:13.200 is God's. 00:28:13.639 --> 00:28:14.079 Grace 00:28:14.079 --> 00:28:15.339 belongs to 00:28:15.339 --> 00:28:15.779 God's. 00:28:15.779 --> 00:28:16.559 It's his 00:28:16.559 --> 00:28:17.259 property. 00:28:18.259 --> 00:28:19.619 Therefore, it's 00:28:19.619 --> 00:28:20.740 for God to 00:28:20.740 --> 00:28:22.139 give as 00:28:22.139 --> 00:28:22.779 he pleases. 00:28:22.779 --> 00:28:24.359 I don't 00:28:24.359 --> 00:28:24.700 have any 00:28:24.700 --> 00:28:25.240 right to 00:28:25.240 --> 00:28:25.399 it. 00:28:25.639 --> 00:28:26.220 You have 00:28:26.220 --> 00:28:26.879 no claim 00:28:26.879 --> 00:28:27.440 to it. 00:28:27.960 --> 00:28:28.420 So who 00:28:28.420 --> 00:28:29.019 are any 00:28:29.019 --> 00:28:29.420 of us 00:28:29.420 --> 00:28:29.940 to say 00:28:29.940 --> 00:28:30.619 God 00:28:30.619 --> 00:28:31.160 can't 00:28:31.160 --> 00:28:31.379 give 00:28:31.379 --> 00:28:31.899 grace to 00:28:31.899 --> 00:28:32.139 this 00:28:32.139 --> 00:28:32.599 person 00:28:32.599 --> 00:28:33.220 or he 00:28:33.220 --> 00:28:33.599 can't 00:28:33.599 --> 00:28:33.759 give 00:28:33.759 --> 00:28:34.259 grace to 00:28:34.259 --> 00:28:34.500 that 00:28:34.500 --> 00:28:34.960 person? 00:28:35.859 --> 00:28:36.019 Who 00:28:36.019 --> 00:28:36.819 are we 00:28:36.819 --> 00:28:37.299 to tell 00:28:37.299 --> 00:28:37.839 God 00:28:37.839 --> 00:28:38.559 what to 00:28:38.559 --> 00:28:38.960 do 00:28:38.960 --> 00:28:40.420 with his 00:28:40.420 --> 00:28:40.899 grace? 00:28:44.180 --> 00:28:45.019 We need 00:28:45.019 --> 00:28:45.759 to understand 00:28:45.759 --> 00:28:46.240 that what 00:28:46.240 --> 00:28:46.859 God does 00:28:46.859 --> 00:28:47.680 is always 00:28:47.680 --> 00:28:48.160 right. 00:28:49.019 --> 00:28:49.299 He 00:28:49.299 --> 00:28:50.220 discerns, 00:28:50.559 --> 00:28:50.879 he 00:28:50.879 --> 00:28:51.660 decides, 00:28:51.660 --> 00:28:52.960 and he 00:28:52.960 --> 00:28:53.820 distributes 00:28:53.820 --> 00:28:54.240 as he 00:28:54.240 --> 00:28:54.700 pleases. 00:28:55.040 --> 00:28:55.680 It might 00:28:55.680 --> 00:28:56.220 seem 00:28:56.220 --> 00:28:57.380 unfair 00:28:57.380 --> 00:28:58.220 to us, 00:28:59.800 --> 00:29:00.480 but we 00:29:00.480 --> 00:29:00.840 can be 00:29:00.840 --> 00:29:01.320 sure that 00:29:01.320 --> 00:29:01.740 everything 00:29:01.740 --> 00:29:02.460 God does 00:29:02.460 --> 00:29:03.180 is always 00:29:03.180 --> 00:29:04.240 fair and 00:29:04.240 --> 00:29:04.640 always 00:29:04.640 --> 00:29:05.160 just. 00:29:06.279 --> 00:29:06.580 With 00:29:06.580 --> 00:29:07.320 God, no 00:29:07.320 --> 00:29:07.800 one is 00:29:07.800 --> 00:29:08.240 ever 00:29:08.240 --> 00:29:08.960 treated 00:29:08.960 --> 00:29:10.840 unfairly. 00:29:11.279 --> 00:29:11.740 Ever. 00:29:14.920 --> 00:29:15.900 So he 00:29:15.900 --> 00:29:16.500 desires, 00:29:17.900 --> 00:29:18.400 he 00:29:18.400 --> 00:29:19.240 distributes, 00:29:20.320 --> 00:29:21.640 and 00:29:21.640 --> 00:29:21.940 God 00:29:21.940 --> 00:29:22.620 demands 00:29:22.620 --> 00:29:23.240 grace 00:29:23.240 --> 00:29:24.380 from 00:29:24.380 --> 00:29:24.720 those 00:29:24.720 --> 00:29:24.920 who 00:29:24.920 --> 00:29:25.400 receive 00:29:25.400 --> 00:29:26.020 grace. 00:29:27.060 --> 00:29:27.660 Grace 00:29:27.660 --> 00:29:28.220 is always 00:29:28.220 --> 00:29:28.800 unearned 00:29:28.800 --> 00:29:29.620 and undeserved, 00:29:30.040 --> 00:29:30.540 so none 00:29:30.540 --> 00:29:30.880 of us 00:29:30.880 --> 00:29:31.480 here can 00:29:31.480 --> 00:29:31.900 think of 00:29:31.900 --> 00:29:32.300 ourselves 00:29:32.300 --> 00:29:33.160 as superior 00:29:33.160 --> 00:29:33.900 to anyone 00:29:33.900 --> 00:29:34.360 else, 00:29:35.040 --> 00:29:35.600 and none 00:29:35.600 --> 00:29:35.900 of us 00:29:35.900 --> 00:29:36.320 need to 00:29:36.320 --> 00:29:36.640 feel 00:29:36.640 --> 00:29:37.580 inferior 00:29:37.580 --> 00:29:38.920 to anyone 00:29:38.920 --> 00:29:39.420 else. 00:29:40.060 --> 00:29:40.380 Let's 00:29:40.380 --> 00:29:40.900 just read 00:29:40.900 --> 00:29:41.580 verse 11 00:29:41.580 --> 00:29:42.120 and 12 00:29:42.120 --> 00:29:42.580 again. 00:29:42.579 --> 00:29:46.819 when they 00:29:46.819 --> 00:29:47.559 had received 00:29:47.559 --> 00:29:47.919 it, 00:29:48.059 --> 00:29:48.619 their day's 00:29:48.619 --> 00:29:48.960 wage, 00:29:49.059 --> 00:29:49.500 they began 00:29:49.500 --> 00:29:50.199 to grumble 00:29:50.199 --> 00:29:50.859 against the 00:29:50.859 --> 00:29:51.399 landowner. 00:29:52.619 --> 00:29:53.359 Those who 00:29:53.359 --> 00:29:53.939 were hired 00:29:53.939 --> 00:29:54.839 last worked 00:29:54.839 --> 00:29:55.939 only one 00:29:55.939 --> 00:29:56.319 hour, 00:29:56.679 --> 00:29:57.259 they said, 00:29:58.059 --> 00:29:59.019 and you 00:29:59.019 --> 00:29:59.500 have made 00:29:59.500 --> 00:30:01.240 them equal 00:30:01.240 --> 00:30:02.179 to us 00:30:02.179 --> 00:30:03.559 who have 00:30:03.559 --> 00:30:04.039 borne the 00:30:04.039 --> 00:30:04.539 burden of 00:30:04.539 --> 00:30:04.960 the work 00:30:04.960 --> 00:30:05.259 and the 00:30:05.259 --> 00:30:05.639 heat of 00:30:05.639 --> 00:30:06.039 the day. 00:30:06.039 --> 00:30:07.259 grace 00:30:07.259 --> 00:30:08.659 does. 00:30:09.420 --> 00:30:10.059 It makes 00:30:10.059 --> 00:30:10.619 us all 00:30:10.619 --> 00:30:11.579 equal. 00:30:12.539 --> 00:30:13.639 It levels 00:30:13.639 --> 00:30:14.839 the playing 00:30:14.839 --> 00:30:15.319 field. 00:30:15.700 --> 00:30:16.039 It doesn't 00:30:16.039 --> 00:30:16.579 matter who 00:30:16.579 --> 00:30:17.079 you are 00:30:17.079 --> 00:30:17.519 or where 00:30:17.519 --> 00:30:17.980 you come 00:30:17.980 --> 00:30:18.299 from. 00:30:18.639 --> 00:30:19.059 It doesn't 00:30:19.059 --> 00:30:19.539 matter your 00:30:19.539 --> 00:30:20.059 background, 00:30:20.279 --> 00:30:20.859 your position, 00:30:21.039 --> 00:30:21.740 your status, 00:30:22.420 --> 00:30:23.359 the address, 00:30:24.159 --> 00:30:24.619 the colour 00:30:24.619 --> 00:30:25.379 of your skin. 00:30:25.720 --> 00:30:26.240 The only 00:30:26.240 --> 00:30:27.279 reason any 00:30:27.279 --> 00:30:27.839 of us can 00:30:27.839 --> 00:30:28.720 give for 00:30:28.720 --> 00:30:29.359 being in 00:30:29.359 --> 00:30:29.839 the kingdom 00:30:29.839 --> 00:30:30.539 of God 00:30:30.539 --> 00:30:32.039 is grace. 00:30:33.139 --> 00:30:34.099 I cannot 00:30:34.099 --> 00:30:34.920 claim to be 00:30:34.920 --> 00:30:35.399 better than 00:30:35.399 --> 00:30:35.740 you, 00:30:35.740 --> 00:30:36.480 and you 00:30:36.480 --> 00:30:37.220 cannot claim 00:30:37.220 --> 00:30:37.539 to be 00:30:37.539 --> 00:30:38.000 better than 00:30:38.000 --> 00:30:38.299 me. 00:30:40.759 --> 00:30:41.319 Now, 00:30:41.380 --> 00:30:41.559 at one 00:30:41.559 --> 00:30:41.819 level, 00:30:41.900 --> 00:30:42.500 that's easy 00:30:42.500 --> 00:30:42.940 for us 00:30:42.940 --> 00:30:43.380 to say, 00:30:43.460 --> 00:30:43.940 isn't it? 00:30:44.940 --> 00:30:45.759 But it's 00:30:45.759 --> 00:30:46.440 sure hard, 00:30:46.579 --> 00:30:47.559 very difficult 00:30:47.559 --> 00:30:48.339 to live. 00:30:50.980 --> 00:30:51.539 Perhaps 00:30:51.539 --> 00:30:52.980 you're 00:30:52.980 --> 00:30:53.680 thinking about 00:30:53.680 --> 00:30:54.359 someone in 00:30:54.359 --> 00:30:54.880 particular. 00:30:56.259 --> 00:30:56.579 Maybe 00:30:56.579 --> 00:30:57.200 someone has 00:30:57.200 --> 00:30:57.819 hurt you. 00:30:59.299 --> 00:30:59.839 Maybe 00:30:59.839 --> 00:31:00.940 somebody has 00:31:00.940 --> 00:31:02.059 wronged 00:31:02.059 --> 00:31:02.359 you. 00:31:04.640 --> 00:31:05.460 Trust has 00:31:05.460 --> 00:31:06.059 been broken, 00:31:06.059 --> 00:31:06.980 lies have 00:31:06.980 --> 00:31:07.640 been told, 00:31:08.180 --> 00:31:08.680 repentance 00:31:08.680 --> 00:31:09.340 has not 00:31:09.340 --> 00:31:09.579 been 00:31:09.579 --> 00:31:10.420 forthcoming. 00:31:11.579 --> 00:31:11.920 Well, 00:31:11.960 --> 00:31:12.340 the last 00:31:12.340 --> 00:31:12.680 thing we 00:31:12.680 --> 00:31:13.059 want to 00:31:13.059 --> 00:31:13.400 do for 00:31:13.400 --> 00:31:13.960 that person 00:31:13.960 --> 00:31:14.420 is show 00:31:14.420 --> 00:31:15.240 them grace, 00:31:15.420 --> 00:31:15.680 right? 00:31:16.960 --> 00:31:17.660 Let's be 00:31:17.660 --> 00:31:18.079 honest. 00:31:19.559 --> 00:31:20.400 We want 00:31:20.400 --> 00:31:21.100 them to get 00:31:21.100 --> 00:31:21.519 what they 00:31:21.519 --> 00:31:21.960 deserve, 00:31:22.200 --> 00:31:22.700 so I 00:31:22.700 --> 00:31:23.420 won't talk 00:31:23.420 --> 00:31:23.840 to them. 00:31:24.980 --> 00:31:25.600 We want 00:31:25.600 --> 00:31:26.120 them to get 00:31:26.120 --> 00:31:26.539 what they 00:31:26.539 --> 00:31:26.819 earn, 00:31:27.059 --> 00:31:27.660 so I will 00:31:27.660 --> 00:31:28.180 make sure 00:31:28.180 --> 00:31:29.180 they feel 00:31:29.180 --> 00:31:30.279 what I 00:31:30.279 --> 00:31:30.720 feel. 00:31:30.720 --> 00:31:34.640 well, 00:31:34.700 --> 00:31:35.000 let's 00:31:35.000 --> 00:31:35.480 together 00:31:35.480 --> 00:31:36.059 this 00:31:36.059 --> 00:31:36.579 morning 00:31:36.579 --> 00:31:37.920 look 00:31:37.920 --> 00:31:38.539 afresh 00:31:38.539 --> 00:31:39.940 into the 00:31:39.940 --> 00:31:40.480 mirror of 00:31:40.480 --> 00:31:40.920 God's 00:31:40.920 --> 00:31:41.380 grace. 00:31:42.319 --> 00:31:43.220 And as 00:31:43.220 --> 00:31:43.640 we look 00:31:43.640 --> 00:31:44.100 into the 00:31:44.100 --> 00:31:44.519 mirror of 00:31:44.519 --> 00:31:44.860 God's 00:31:44.860 --> 00:31:45.200 grace, 00:31:45.440 --> 00:31:45.900 what do 00:31:45.900 --> 00:31:46.380 we see? 00:31:48.660 --> 00:31:49.539 One who 00:31:49.539 --> 00:31:50.440 has received 00:31:50.440 --> 00:31:52.140 undeserved 00:31:52.140 --> 00:31:52.740 grace. 00:31:54.100 --> 00:31:54.900 We have 00:31:54.900 --> 00:31:55.539 no claim, 00:31:56.500 --> 00:31:57.140 we have 00:31:57.140 --> 00:31:57.799 no right, 00:31:57.799 --> 00:31:59.460 but through 00:31:59.460 --> 00:32:00.279 Christ we 00:32:00.279 --> 00:32:00.940 have received 00:32:00.940 --> 00:32:01.919 his gracious 00:32:01.919 --> 00:32:03.419 favour and 00:32:03.419 --> 00:32:04.279 blessing. 00:32:04.700 --> 00:32:05.399 Look into 00:32:05.399 --> 00:32:05.899 the mirror 00:32:05.899 --> 00:32:07.740 and we 00:32:07.740 --> 00:32:08.240 will see 00:32:08.240 --> 00:32:09.559 that we're 00:32:09.559 --> 00:32:10.139 all equal. 00:32:12.240 --> 00:32:12.960 Because the 00:32:12.960 --> 00:32:13.779 evidence that 00:32:13.779 --> 00:32:15.639 I have 00:32:15.639 --> 00:32:16.339 received 00:32:16.339 --> 00:32:16.960 grace, 00:32:18.139 --> 00:32:19.019 the evidence 00:32:19.019 --> 00:32:19.720 that you 00:32:19.720 --> 00:32:20.539 have received 00:32:20.539 --> 00:32:21.000 grace, 00:32:21.359 --> 00:32:22.000 is that you 00:32:22.000 --> 00:32:22.659 will show 00:32:22.659 --> 00:32:23.980 grace to 00:32:23.980 --> 00:32:24.500 others. 00:32:25.419 --> 00:32:26.000 I will 00:32:26.000 --> 00:32:26.779 welcome others 00:32:26.779 --> 00:32:27.500 just as 00:32:27.500 --> 00:32:28.200 Christ has 00:32:28.200 --> 00:32:28.839 welcomed me. 00:32:29.180 --> 00:32:29.519 I will 00:32:29.519 --> 00:32:30.720 be scandalous 00:32:30.720 --> 00:32:32.160 in my 00:32:32.160 --> 00:32:32.900 dealings with 00:32:32.900 --> 00:32:33.240 others, 00:32:33.519 --> 00:32:34.000 in my 00:32:34.000 --> 00:32:34.799 generosity 00:32:34.799 --> 00:32:35.599 towards 00:32:35.599 --> 00:32:35.900 them. 00:32:37.779 --> 00:32:38.640 How we 00:32:38.640 --> 00:32:39.500 treat each 00:32:39.500 --> 00:32:39.900 other 00:32:39.900 --> 00:32:41.740 will tell 00:32:41.740 --> 00:32:43.240 us if 00:32:43.240 --> 00:32:43.859 I am a 00:32:43.859 --> 00:32:44.180 bitter 00:32:44.180 --> 00:32:44.940 grumbler 00:32:44.940 --> 00:32:46.519 who angrily 00:32:46.519 --> 00:32:47.319 holds on 00:32:47.319 --> 00:32:48.000 to grace 00:32:48.000 --> 00:32:50.319 or a 00:32:50.319 --> 00:32:50.759 generous 00:32:50.759 --> 00:32:51.420 giver who 00:32:51.420 --> 00:32:52.460 desires to 00:32:52.460 --> 00:32:53.420 distribute 00:32:53.420 --> 00:32:54.380 his grace. 00:32:54.380 --> 00:32:54.500 grace. 00:32:56.660 --> 00:32:57.540 What are 00:32:57.540 --> 00:32:58.140 you today? 00:32:59.780 --> 00:33:00.560 Are you a 00:33:00.560 --> 00:33:01.520 bitter grumbler 00:33:01.520 --> 00:33:03.580 withholding 00:33:03.580 --> 00:33:04.540 grace from 00:33:04.540 --> 00:33:05.020 someone? 00:33:06.380 --> 00:33:07.760 Or are you a 00:33:07.760 --> 00:33:08.560 generous giver 00:33:08.560 --> 00:33:09.820 who desires to 00:33:09.820 --> 00:33:11.400 distribute that 00:33:11.400 --> 00:33:11.900 grace? 00:33:11.900 --> 00:33:12.040 grace? 00:33:17.040 --> 00:33:18.120 So, 00:33:18.759 --> 00:33:19.980 verse 16, 00:33:21.040 --> 00:33:22.080 the last 00:33:22.080 --> 00:33:22.540 will be 00:33:22.540 --> 00:33:23.140 first 00:33:23.140 --> 00:33:25.400 and the 00:33:25.400 --> 00:33:25.900 first 00:33:25.900 --> 00:33:26.920 will be 00:33:26.920 --> 00:33:27.580 last. 00:33:28.580 --> 00:33:29.380 In God's 00:33:29.380 --> 00:33:29.860 economy, 00:33:30.160 --> 00:33:31.000 everything is 00:33:31.000 --> 00:33:31.780 turned upside 00:33:31.780 --> 00:33:32.200 down. 00:33:32.600 --> 00:33:33.519 No superiority 00:33:33.519 --> 00:33:34.519 and no 00:33:34.519 --> 00:33:35.759 inferiority. 00:33:36.160 --> 00:33:36.700 All are 00:33:36.700 --> 00:33:37.019 equal. 00:33:37.019 --> 00:33:40.039 grace is 00:33:40.039 --> 00:33:40.660 the key 00:33:40.660 --> 00:33:42.059 that will 00:33:42.059 --> 00:33:42.660 open the 00:33:42.660 --> 00:33:44.079 door to 00:33:44.079 --> 00:33:44.559 the kingdom 00:33:44.559 --> 00:33:45.119 of heaven. 00:33:48.259 --> 00:33:49.019 Let's just 00:33:49.019 --> 00:33:49.680 take a moment 00:33:49.680 --> 00:33:50.440 to reflect 00:33:50.440 --> 00:33:52.420 as we 00:33:52.420 --> 00:33:52.759 pray. 00:33:52.759 --> 00:33:52.859 Amen. 00:33:52.859 --> 00:33:52.920 Amen. 00:33:52.920 --> 00:33:53.259 Amen. 00:33:53.259 --> 00:33:53.319 Amen. 00:33:53.319 --> 00:33:54.960 Amen. 00:33:54.960 --> 00:33:54.980 Amen. 00:33:54.980 --> 00:33:55.160 Amen. 00:33:55.160 --> 00:33:55.319 Amen. 00:33:55.319 --> 00:33:56.879 Amen. 00:33:56.879 --> 00:33:57.180 Amen. 00:33:57.180 --> 00:33:57.200 Amen. 00:33:57.200 --> 00:33:57.220 Amen. 00:33:57.220 --> 00:33:57.240 Amen. 00:33:57.240 --> 00:33:57.299 Amen. 00:33:57.299 --> 00:33:57.359 Amen. 00:33:57.359 --> 00:33:57.400 Amen. 00:33:57.400 --> 00:33:57.440 Amen. 00:34:07.019 --> 00:34:08.019 Amen. 00:34:17.019 --> 00:34:17.940 Amen. 00:34:17.940 --> 00:34:18.420 Father, thank 00:34:18.420 --> 00:34:19.139 you for the 00:34:19.139 --> 00:34:19.880 welcome of 00:34:19.880 --> 00:34:20.619 your grace 00:34:20.619 --> 00:34:21.500 to us. 00:34:23.500 --> 00:34:24.280 Thank you 00:34:24.280 --> 00:34:24.759 for that 00:34:24.759 --> 00:34:25.699 surprising, 00:34:26.119 --> 00:34:26.500 shocking 00:34:26.500 --> 00:34:27.259 grace 00:34:27.259 --> 00:34:29.800 that gives 00:34:29.800 --> 00:34:30.619 to us more 00:34:30.619 --> 00:34:31.219 than we could 00:34:31.219 --> 00:34:32.079 ever expect 00:34:32.079 --> 00:34:32.780 or imagine. 00:34:35.579 --> 00:34:36.360 Thank you, 00:34:36.360 --> 00:34:37.019 Father, for 00:34:37.019 --> 00:34:37.940 your generosity 00:34:37.940 --> 00:34:39.000 to us. 00:34:40.800 --> 00:34:41.400 Undeserving 00:34:41.400 --> 00:34:42.240 as we are, 00:34:43.740 --> 00:34:44.880 yet you have 00:34:44.880 --> 00:34:45.460 made us 00:34:45.460 --> 00:34:46.059 rich. 00:34:47.860 --> 00:34:48.940 We praise 00:34:48.940 --> 00:34:49.340 you, we 00:34:49.340 --> 00:34:49.980 thank you. 00:34:51.660 --> 00:34:52.500 Help us 00:34:52.500 --> 00:34:54.059 to be 00:34:54.059 --> 00:34:54.940 changed by 00:34:54.940 --> 00:34:55.800 your grace 00:34:55.800 --> 00:34:57.960 that we 00:34:57.960 --> 00:34:58.780 are no longer 00:34:58.780 --> 00:34:59.420 a bitter 00:34:59.420 --> 00:35:00.120 grumbler 00:35:00.120 --> 00:35:02.240 but a 00:35:02.240 --> 00:35:02.740 generous 00:35:02.740 --> 00:35:03.180 giver. 00:35:05.180 --> 00:35:05.860 Change 00:35:05.860 --> 00:35:06.539 your hearts. 00:35:08.220 --> 00:35:08.480 Mould 00:35:08.480 --> 00:35:08.960 us and 00:35:08.960 --> 00:35:09.740 shape us. 00:35:11.500 --> 00:35:12.059 Father, 00:35:12.700 --> 00:35:13.420 in your 00:35:13.420 --> 00:35:13.980 goodness, 00:35:15.019 --> 00:35:15.519 pour out 00:35:15.519 --> 00:35:16.120 your grace 00:35:16.120 --> 00:35:16.720 upon us 00:35:16.720 --> 00:35:17.280 afresh. 00:35:18.240 --> 00:35:18.780 In 00:35:18.780 --> 00:35:19.120 Jesus' 00:35:19.360 --> 00:35:19.599 name. 00:35:20.700 --> 00:35:21.160 Amen. 00:35:25.360 --> 00:35:25.920 Well, 00:35:25.960 --> 00:35:26.180 we're going 00:35:26.180 --> 00:35:26.640 to sing a 00:35:26.640 --> 00:35:27.079 well-known 00:35:27.079 --> 00:35:27.559 song. 00:35:30.079 --> 00:35:30.599 Amazing 00:35:30.599 --> 00:35:31.599 grace, 00:35:31.740 --> 00:35:32.420 how sweet 00:35:32.420 --> 00:35:33.039 the sound. 00:35:33.180 --> 00:35:33.720 It's grace 00:35:33.720 --> 00:35:34.500 that begins 00:35:34.500 --> 00:35:35.119 the journey, 00:35:36.159 --> 00:35:36.679 grace that 00:35:36.679 --> 00:35:37.139 will keep 00:35:37.139 --> 00:35:37.539 us on 00:35:37.539 --> 00:35:38.139 the journey 00:35:38.139 --> 00:35:39.820 and grace 00:35:39.820 --> 00:35:40.280 that will 00:35:40.280 --> 00:35:40.880 see us 00:35:40.880 --> 00:35:42.699 through to 00:35:42.699 --> 00:35:43.320 our home 00:35:43.320 --> 00:35:44.119 with Him. 00:35:44.619 --> 00:35:45.219 It's not 00:35:45.219 --> 00:35:45.739 because of 00:35:45.739 --> 00:35:46.119 us. 00:35:46.119 --> 00:36:16.099 Thank you.