Storyteller: The Parables of JesusNäide

Outrageous Justice (The Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard)

The values of God’s Kingdom are completely upside down and inside out compared to the standards of the world. They can feel disorienting, offensive, and shocking for many, but parables help ease this tension, guiding people into the new, yet possible, realities Jesus set forth.

The Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard is complex; however, two key points stand out. First, Jesus is describing God’s outrageous justice, Second, He is warning people against being envious of the justice He gives.

In Matthew 19:26-30 (ESV), Peter asks Jesus, “We have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?” Only Jesus knows Peter’s heart, whether his question is self-seeking or genuinely curious, but the answer Jesus gives is astonishing. He tells Peter and the other disciples they will receive their reward and that He will exceed their expectations.

The owner’s demonstration of justice challenged the early workers’ sense of fairness. Despite being paid their agreed-upon wage, they believed they were entitled to more, and they became bitter as they compared themselves to others. The owner’s reversal of payment exposed the envy hidden in their hearts.

Their dissatisfaction did not come from being wronged, but from the begrudging the blessing of others. Comparison has detrimental effects on our lives, stealing our joy and creating a spirit of resentment, jealousy, and discontentment.

Feeling resentful of the blessing someone else receives, especially when it is God-given, is an indicator that we may have a root of bitterness growing within our hearts. It is important that we deal with the core issue, before it contaminates our relationship with God and others.

Rather than a transactional system of merit, Jesus is introducing a radical justice founded on His grace. If our worthiness were based solely on our actions, we would fall short every time. God is compassionate, He sees our brokenness, and He mercifully provides far beyond what we deserve.

The only antidote to an envious mindset is one fixed on the outrageous justice of God, which is grounded in His perfect and unchanging character. Deuteronomy 32:4 (ESV) is an ideal description of God: “The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he.”

The vineyard owner likely did not hire the men later in the day because he needed more labor, but simply because he had compassion for them, knowing that without a day's wage, they would be unable to properly provide for their families.

A consistent theme throughout many of the parables is the idea that the last will be first and the first will be last. God lifts up the lowly, marginalized, outcast, poor, orphaned, and widowed, giving them dignity. He looks beyond money and status to see the true needs of His people, and, like a loving Father, He gives out of His deep generosity.

Justice is God’s idea to remove the barriers that separate us all. The world does not know what to do with the kind of justice that celebrates the flourishing of others. Every time we imitate Christ by demonstrating outrageous justice, we confound the world and point people to the God Who defines what it true justice is.

Prayer

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8, ESV)

Jesus, remove envy from my life; teach me to do justice. Amen.