Sunday: The Master Hires Workers — Matthew 20:1-7
This parable shows clearly that God uses laborers to work in His vineyard. What a privilege to be wanted and appointed to do God’s work! Notice that all of the laborers willing to work were employed. Some were hired early, others later, but all of them were given important tasks to do. God is still calling workers to labor for Him. Will we set aside our own tasks and agendas to answer His call?
Monday: The Master Pays His Workers — Matthew 20:8-16
How generous is the master of the vineyard! When the workers stand in the pay line, even those who worked the least were rewarded as if they had worked all day. Those hired in the morning received the same wages, but we must remember that they were paid exactly what they contracted for. The master wasn’t unfair to them. Perhaps, if they had been willing to go to work depending solely on the generous character of the vineyard’s owner (as the other laborers did), they’d have received more. When they saw what the master paid the late-in-the-day workers, they suddenly felt they deserved more. The wages can’t be confused with salvation, for we don’t “earn” it. Neither is it speaking of rewards, because we won’t all receive an equal reward. This parable deals with our attitudes. We would do well to trust God, and put an end to self-promotion and jealousy.
Tuesday: Another Prediction — Matthew 20:17-19; Mark 10:32-34; Luke 18:31-34
Jesus takes His closest followers aside to make this vivid announcement of the manner of His death. They needed to understand what was going to take place, for the rest of Jesus’ followers would need strong leadership and encouragement after His death. But were they really listening? When Jesus is actually arrested in Gethsemane, they can’t believe it. After His resurrection, when they discover an empty tomb, they are astonished. Did they not hear Him?
Wednesday: Warning Against Pride — Matthew 20:20-28; Mark 10:35-45
This request for promotion is framed in ignorance, tragically misdirected, and motivated by the same prideful desire shown by the devil. Perhaps they couldn’t know that the path to a crown is by way of a cross; great suffering and loss precedes high reward. They were misdirected in wanting to “rule over” the others. But the road to ruling in God’s kingdom is by “serving.” Lastly, in wanting the honor of a throne, they showed ugly pride. Jesus uses their presumption to teach an important truth: the proof of greatness is not power or position, but character. Even Jesus was perfected through suffering. (see Hebrews 2:9-10)
Thursday: Bartimaeus — Matthew 20:29-34; Mark 10:46-52; Luke 18:35-43
While the world often turns a cold face toward human need, Jesus embodies compassion and mercy. Jesus asks Bartimaeus what he desires, and the blind man responds with deep faith, knowing that Jesus can heal him. There are too many, however, who merely want a donation—they’ve found a way of life in their infirmities. Do we want healing or a handout?
Friday: A Seeker Is Found — Luke 19:1-6
Zaccheus sought Jesus with the zeal of a child excited over a parade, running ahead of the crowd and climbing a tree so he might see. This government official set aside his pride to seek the master, only to discover that the master was seeking him. Truly, all who seek Jesus find that He was seeking them!
Saturday: Converting Zaccheus — Luke 19:7-10
Zaccheus wasn’t saved because he was committed to good works, but because he responded to Christ by faith. Zaccheus didn’t gain “religion” the day that Jesus came to his house; he gained a divine “relationship.” Amazingly, by hosting the Lord in his home, Zaccheus willingly became the guest. This is the only way we can truly know the Lord—it is not a thing to be manipulated—we must accept His lordship.