The Kingdom Revealed

“So those who are last now will be first then, and those who are first will be last.” [Matthew 20.16]

What the landowner did in today's reading would draw no less ire today than it did in the time of the story.

What is fair? Had I been one of the first workers, I can say without hesitancy that I too would have been disturbed (to say the least) that those who only worked minutes (compared to me) were paid the same full-day's wages. Those who know me well know I would have been probably the first to cry "foul!"

The landowner's reply however remains as true today as it did in the time the story was told. What is his is his to do with as he wishes. And, the fact that the early workers agreed to their wages makes the landowner's argument accurate.

As Jesus indicated, there is a Kingdom principle in this story. Frankly, until we can 'stomach' this story, we are unlikely to comprehend how the Kingdom operates. And, if we fail to comprehend how the Kingdom operates, it is not only unlikely, but impossible that we will operate on behalf of the Kingdom.

I might point out how Jesus also told the parable of the man who lost one sheep. It really didn't 'make sense' to leave the 99 sheep to search out the one - but that is earthly thinking - earthly sense. Only the Kingdom-regenerated mind can comprehend these stories - these parables told by Jesus.

The Kingdom revealed by Jesus is not ours to reason, but ours to embrace.

If we resist the teaching and enlightenment of Jesus' parables told to explain the Kingdom, there is no chance that we will effectively represent the Kingdom (as did Jesus). However, as we embrace the teaching of the parables Jesus told, genuinely seeking to have our thinking changed, we increase the likelihood of our walking this earth as did our Model, Jesus, in limitless transcendence over earthly circumstances and laws of nature.

Furthermore, and it relation to the verse above, "first" and "last" will be of no consequence to us when our minds are purely seeking the Kingdom. The exception to this will only be found in our being joyful that others are put first - something worldly thinking simply cannot embrace (let alone comprehend).

I totally get it that the disciples failed to understand so many of the parables Jesus told. I fail to understand them myself most of the time. However, I am not content to continue to misunderstand them!

Father, give me eyes to see and ears to hear... and a heart to understand all that Jesus revealed about You and the Kingdom You rule.