ESOCS Devotional 27 March 2022
TEXT: MATTHEW 20:1-16
MEMORY VERSE: “So the last shall be the first, and the first last: for many are called, but few chosen.” Matthew 20:16 KJV
0 And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done. Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. 11 But when the multitudes knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing. 12 When the day began to wear away, the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding towns and country, and lodge and get provisions; for we are in a deserted lace ”
In this parable, Jesus further clarified the membership rules of the kingdom of heaven – entrance is by God’s grace alone. Here, God is the householder, and believers are the labourers. The parable is especially for those who feel superior because of favoured position, or have long being born again, or have been doing the work of God before others, and for new converts, as reassurance of God’s grace. The parable is not about rewards but salvation. It is a strong teaching about God’s grace, His Generosity.
One lesson from the parable is that the accumulation of good works is not a qualification to enter into the kingdom of God but good standing with God to the end when the trumpet shall sound. Accumulation of good deeds and positions of authority may be valuable in the world, but they do not earn one salvation before God (Roman 4:4, 5). God has His standard. Again, the reward for faithful service in the kingdom of God is the same for all. We also learned that there is no room among Christians for competition regarding the glory they will receive for their labours on earth. Furthermore, we should not grudge over those who turn to God in the last moments of life, because in reality, no one deserves eternal life; it is by God’s grace. Finally, many people we do not expect to see in the kingdom, will be there (Luke 23:40-43).
Do you despise God’s gracious acceptance of the despised, the outcast, and the sinners who turned to Him for forgiveness? Are you ever jealous of what God gave to another person? Instead, focus on God’s gracious benefits to you, and be thankful for what you have.
- Many abuse the grace of God. The grace of God is not a license for immorality or worldliness.
- Ask God for the grace to be found worthy on the last day.
Read Other ESOCS Devotional here
FURTHER READING: Mark 10:28-31; Ephesians 2:4-10
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ESOCS Devotional 27 March 2022
