An Economy of Grace

Read Matthew 20:1-16

      The comedian Steve Martin once quipped, “All I’ve ever wanted was an honest week’s wage for an honest day’s work.”  Well, some of the workers in this parable received better than that – a full day’s wage for about an hour’s worth of work.    

      Various commentators apply this parable to the inclusion of Gentiles in God’s kingdom, to the Twelve’s attitude toward converts who will join the kingdom later, or to the tendency of people across the ages to think of God’s salvation in terms of merit.  These are all valid applications, but the underlying truth is that the economy of God’s kingdom is one of grace – unmerited favor.  We are all like the latecomers – none of us receives just recompense, and for that we should all be thankful.  God’s grace toward us all, in salvation and reward, is lavishly generous.