I grew up with two older brothers and always felt that I came down the pecking order when it came to privileges. Of course, this is often the case and not unusual or out of the ordinary. What I didn’t realise is that as I got older the privileges that my older siblings enjoyed would come to me also. I can remember on several occasions uttering the words, “It just isn’t fair!” But what seemed unfair to me was not for me to complain about. I soon learned to accept it. In our passage from Mathew’s gospel there is a resounding shout of “it just isn’t fair”. The master of the household hires labourers to work in his vineyard beginning early in the morning agreeing to pay them one denarius. So, they begin their work. During the course of the day the master went again and found a number of workers hanging around and took them on agreeing to pay them “whatever is right”.

When evening came it was time to pay their wages and the master decided to pay those who came last the same as those who came early in the morning. They complained bitterly. The response by the master was to remind that they had been paid what they agreed and wasn’t being unfair and that he had the right to pay whatever he wanted to the other workers. “And so, the last will be first and first will be last.” Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus and asked that Jesus grant one these sons to sit at the right hand and the other at the left hand. In contrast to the parable we have here a request for special privileges to be elevated above their fellow disciples. The other disciples were outraged and Jesus firmly put the two sons in their place. The chapter concludes with the healing of two blind men. Having compassion on them he touched their eyes and they were immediately healed. Having experienced the healing power of Jesus they followed him.

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Questions:

Have you sometimes felt that what others seem to have been given, certain privileges in life, (status or wealth) and appears a bit unfair? How do you deal with such thoughts?

Prayer:

Thank you, Lord, that You treat us all equally, that You do not have favourites. Thank You for your blessings and help us not to be envious or jealous of others ever thankful for all You do and provide in life. May we always trust in Your faithfulness. Amen.