Hey Bible readers, I'm Tara Lee Cobble, and I'm your host for the Bible Recap.

Today, Jesus opens with a metaphor about the kingdom that might seem kind of frustrating.

He compares the kingdom to a vineyard and its workers.

The owner of the vineyard brings in workers

at various times throughout the day, but pays them all the same amount, regardless how long they work.

The ones who work longer, get upset. But he says, hey, that was the deal we made. Stop comparing

yourselves to those who worked less time than you. Take what I'm giving you. This is probably shocking to the people

hearing the parable because it goes against their societal norms. This parable reminds me of a few

things Jesus seems to drive home repeatedly. First, it shows us the tremendous amounts of grace

God pours out. If you are with us in the Old Testament, this will be a bit of a refresher. But if you're

new here, we want to define the difference between grace Testament, this will be a bit of a refresher. But if you're new here,

we want to define the difference between grace and mercy. They're a pair of opposites that work in tandem.

Grace is when you get what you don't deserve. And mercy is when you don't get what you do deserve.

So when the owner pays the late hires a full day's wages, he's showing immense amounts of grace,

unmerited favor. Second, this reminds me that entitlement has no place in the heart of a child of God.

Since everything God gives his kids is undeserved, then it's all blessing and generosity.

Third, comparing ourselves to others is evidence that we've lost sight of what really matters.

We've lost sight of our spiritual poverty and God's immense generosity.

Finally, this parable reminds me that we'll likely be surprised at those who are in the kingdom.

They may be people who spend their lives and sin and turn to him in their final moments.

They may not accomplish much

on earth for the sake of his kingdom, but they receive the same kingdom and the same rescue,

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