Get links to my best stuff in your inbox

 

Home

Do We Want Justice Or Grace?

In his Forthright Magazine article today, Brother Michael Brooks brings out some important points regarding the parable of the laborers found in Matthew 20:1-16. The text describes how the landowner added new laborers throughout the day in addition to the ones he originally hired, then when the work was finished he paid them all the same amount — one denarius.

The all-day workers were unhappy, believing they should receive more pay than those who worked only a few hours.

The landowner responded:

“Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? Take what is yours and go your way. I wish to give this last man the same as to you. Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good?” (Matthew 20:13-15).

Brother Brooks makes the point that that the first workers had negotiated their wage (Matthew 20:2). Those workers who were employed later, had no fixed agreement — only the owner’s promise to do what is right (Matthew 20:7). Jesus is contrasting the Jewish desire to achieve salvation by works through the Law with God’s offer of grace through trust in Christ.

Brother Brooks then makes this important point:

“One must choose the system by which he seeks fellowship with God. If we negotiate terms by which God is obligated we will be under Law.”

If we only desire to put in a minimum amount of effort (e.g., how often do we have to go to church?) to be considered a “faithful Christian,” we are depending upon God’s justice — not His grace.

Brother Brooks then asks the following questions:

“Is this the situation we desire with God? Do we really want exactly, and only, what we have earned? Do we want to “put in our day” and then go our own way, with no further interaction?”

Let us remember that because of sin, what every human has “earned” is eternal separation (Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23). If we ask to be treated with justice we are doomed to eternal destruction ( Romans 3:10-20).

As Brother Brooks brings out in his last point:

“How much better to trust in God to do what is right, thus enabling him to treat us graciously.”

Let us therefore choose to trust in our loving God to “do what is right,” for we know that He will.