Greatness: Matthew 14-20Sample

At Christmas, my friend’s mother ensures that the cost of each of her grandchildren’s gifts is equal. She has a strong relationship with her grandchildren and her gifts bring them joy. But these individualised gifts rarely cost the same amount. She will go as far as to buy a $1 chocolate to add to gifts, to ensure that there is no favouritism. To me, her ways are fair.
Isaiah tells us that God’s ways are not our ways — they are higher than our ways. And it is the perfect lens to view the parable of the workers in the field. The workers all received the same pay at the end of the day, but their share of work was far from equal. In our thinking, and actually our labour laws, those working all day should be paid more. But God’s ways are different.
Here, Jesus is talking about salvation. Some of us might have grown up in a Christian home, given our lives to Christ at a young age, while others have lived a wild life far from God and came to salvation later in life. Yet both of these situations are offered the free gift of salvation equally. The disciples and the thief on the cross were both given the same reward — to be with Jesus in paradise. For all have sinned, all need salvation, and He offers it to all. This is God’s way.
Comparisons can be harmful and lead to resentment. It is quite common to feel resentment when someone new gets promoted over someone who has worked faithfully in a company for years, or when dramatic testimonies get more attention than those of faithful servants. In our ways, resentment and sin can thrive — and that is why God’s way is higher. In God’s way, no matter what you think of yourself, we are all sinners and we are all offered salvation, no matter when we realise that.
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord” (Isaiah 55:8, ESV).
Today, ponder this: God’s way offers everyone salvation and forgiveness of their sins. Rather than leading to resentment, this is something to be celebrated. How can you be celebrating God’s gift of grace to you today?
Scripture
About this Plan

What is The Kingdom? Follow along in Jesus teachings, encounters and miracles. From Jesus walking on water to unveiling the call to sacrificial love, Matthew 14–20 reveals a counter cultural Kingdom that challenges earthly expectations and invites us into radical grace, servant-hearted leadership, and unwavering faith. Each devotion will reflect on the upside-down values of the Kingdom, urging us to step beyond comfort and embrace Christ’s way of living.
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We would like to thank City on a Hill for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: https://cityonahill.com.au
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