Just Showing Up

 

Just Showing Up

Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary

Scripture Text: Galatians 3:2 and Matthew 20:1-16

Series: Comments on Galatians

Today's Scripture Jigsaw

Consider the parable of the laborers in the vineyard. Early in the morning, workers were hired to work the whole day for a denarius, a small, silver, Roman coin. Midday, others were hired to work the remaining half-day for the same silver coin. When most of the day was gone, still more laborers were brought on for the same rate of pay. If they worked until the end of the day, they would get a silver coin.

Those who worked hard all day long, being careful to do all the employer told them, were outraged that those who came late in the day received the same pay. They had barely had time to do any work at all, if any, and they received equal pay. We also, might think this unfair. Yet Jesus warned us. It should not surprise us that religious people are outraged at God’s grace.

It is not your hard work that gets you the silver coin. You get the silver coin because you believed you would be paid if you just showed up at the workplace whenever you were called. That would have been hard to believe.

Do you believe?

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