Want to be a Migrant Worker in Heaven?

In the present day world, we've just celebrated a somewhat strange Easter, and we're looking forward to Pentecost when the mystery all comes clear. But in our Bible study group, we're finally coming up to Jesus' last visit to Jerusalem, admitting we often need to be numbered among the dazed and confused. Did the disciples understand? Did the rich landowners; the migrant laborers; the church leaders? And how well do we understand it all today?

(78) Do you want to be a Migrant Worker in Heaven?

Jerusalem is preparing for the Feast, and Jesus is preparing to die. One of the most immediate results of Jesus’ death, for those about to celebrate the feast, will be the welcome of Gentiles into the Jewish promise of salvation. Matthew, writing for the Jews, retells a parable where Jesus illustrates this. Read Matthew 20:1-16

1.       Did you remember that Matthew’s the only one who writes this parable?

a.       Is it okay to tailor the stories we tell about Jesus so they’re more relevant to the audience?

b.      Can you think of a place in Acts where this is done, or a time you remember it was done?

2.       Did you notice the repetition of a verse from last week? Compare Matthew 19:30 and Matthew 20:16.

3.       We’re probably all very familiar with the story.

a.       Would you rather be a vineyard owner or a migrant worker?

b.      Who would Jesus’ hearers have related to as they heard this story?

c.       Who would they think was going to be praised as a hero when Jesus told this story?

d.      Do you want to be a hero? (Remember, the owner is paying over the odds, and the last shall be first!)

4.       How easily do you relate to the vineyard owner?

a.       Are we privileged? Do we provide for people?

5.       How easily do you relate to the laborers?

a.       Do we labor for God? Or for reward?

6.       How easily do you relate to the 11^th hour laborers?

a.       Do you know anyone who might be an 11^th hour laborer? How do you pray for them?

7.       Are we jealous of faith’s rewards? Of human rewards?

a.       Do we care more about getting what we deserve,

b.      other people not getting more than they deserve,

c.       other people getting what they need?

Last week, the young man asked “Good teacher” and what “good thing” can I do? What does verse 15 tell us about the meaning of “good.”

1.       Do you feel called? What might that mean to you?

2.       Do you feel chosen? What might that mean to you?

3.       Do you feel like you might be last in line? What does that mean? How might it make you feel?

4.       Do you feel like you stand first in line? What does that mean? How might it make you feel?

Next week, we’ll read of Jesus’ final journey to Jerusalem, starting with the death of Lazarus in Bethany and the famous “I am the resurrection and the life” statement. In the vineyard story, the owner offers a pretty high payment to his laborers. What payment is Jesus about to make?

1.       Will we line up to claim that payment at the end of “our day”?

2.       Are there people we’d be uncomfortable about finding in the line?

Are there people we have a right to say shouldn’t be in line? Or at least, should receive a lower reward?