Psalm 105:1-6 / Matthew 20:1-16

When Lisa and I were getting ready to move from Princeton to Seattle for my seminary internship, we needed help packing up our apartment and getting ready to ship things across the country. I put out the word that anyone who helped could have pizza and beer on us. I called this The Kingdom of God Pizza Party because I emphasized that everyone could get in on the pizza and beer, whether they helped us pack for one hour or for four hours…or even for 10 minutes.

When you read Matthew 20:1-16, you will understand the invitation Lisa and I put out.

The first question Jesus’ parable poses, What constitutes fairness as far as entry into the kingdom of heaven (aka the realm of God’s love)?

The second question Jesus’ parable poses is, What do you need to do to get into the kingdom of heaven?

The third question raises the issue of God’s sovereignty, “Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me?” asks the landowner in Matthew 20:15.

Do we disciples ever erect barriers where God has sought out “the last” and made them first?