Harmony of the Gospels

125. Workers in the vineyard- Matt. 20:1-16

 

-Jesus yet another parable to instruct on what the Kingdom of Heaven is like. It is like a labor situation where the helpers are called at various parts of the day with each one agreeing to go and work the field but at different times and with different workloads. The same wage is generously given at the end of the day to those who came in late when asked and beckoned. However, this caused jealousy and envy with those who had carried the burden in the scorching heat of the day. The owner (God) has the right to do what He wishes with His own and we should not be envious when He is generous. *Application* Often times the inequity we perceive may be the generosity of one rather than unfairness. When we agree to do the work the Lord has sent us out to do, the worst thing we can do is become complainers and envious of others (Philippians 2:14). The last shall be first, and the first last (Matthew 20:16).

 

Verse to Memorize- Matthew 20:15

 

126. Jesus’ death foretold on the way to Jerusalem- Matt. 20:17-19, Mark 10:32-34, Luke 18:31-34

 

-Now on the final approach to Jerusalem Jesus again prepares His disciples for what is about to happen. He prophecies, specifically to His 12 disciples who He takes aside privately, His deliverance into the hands of the chief priests, scribes, and the Gentiles for condemnation, mocking, spitting on, scourging, and death on the cross. He also predicted His resurrection on the third day. The disciples understood none of these things as to what they meant because it was hidden from them. Their comprehension was simply not there (Luke 18:34). *Application* Sometimes the truth is right before us and we let it pass us by without understanding. Ask the Lord to open your eyes and hears to the truths that He is trying to communicate to you each and every day. Later, after these events of Christ’s passion and as these apostles reflected with the Holy Spirit breathing understanding and revelation on them (2 Peter 1:21), they wrote of this occurrence with complete knowledge. Only through His Spirit can we comprehend the things of God. He is the One who brings clarity to any situation.

 

Verses to Memorize- Matthew 20:18-19

 

127. The master and servant- Luke 17:7-10

 

-Jesus speaks on servant hood here in this brief exposé. The master does not necessarily have to thank the slave for his work because he is doing exactly as he is commanded and expected. He will receive the reward in the end, but the focus is on doing the task that he has been given as an unworthy vessel who is doing only that which ought to be done. *Application* We see that having the right heart attitude in Christ’s service is vital to His favor here in this passage. He is the Master and we are His slaves just as the disciples and apostles. All of them referenced themselves as a doulos, or slave, practically every time they introduced themselves in Scripture. How much more should we die to ourselves and serve His glory? Trust Him in all the difficult things He requires of you for great will be your reward in Heaven (Hebrews 12:2).

 

Verse to Memorize- Luke 17:10