The Kingdom Way – Grace Over Fairness. Matthew 20 Series

2025.08.10. Sermon Notes. THE KINGDOM WAY – GRACE OVER FAIRNESS. Matthew 20. GRACE, GREATNESS and THE GOD WHO SEES.

William Akehurst, HSWC

SCRIPTURES: Matthew 20:1-34, Romans 9:15-16, Ephesians 2:8-9,

2 Peter 1:10-11, Revelation 22:17, Matthew 7:21-23, John 15:16, James 4:6, Ephesians 4:1

BIG IDEA

GOD’s kingdom operates on grace, not human merit. GOD’s grace defies human fairness, greatness is measured by servanthood, and spiritual sight is found in recognizing JESUS.

INTRODUCTION

Have you ever felt like life wasn’t fair?

Have you ever wondered why someone who came in late got the same reward? Or why someone seemingly “less deserving” received blessing?

Matthew 20 continues JESUS’ teachings on the kingdom of heaven and includes a parable, a passion prediction, a lesson on servant leadership, and a miraculous healing. It’s rich in themes of grace, humility, and spiritual sight.

TEXT: Matthew 20:1-34

MATTHEW 20:1-16 Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard

1 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. 2 Now when he had agreed with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. 3 And he went out about the third hour and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, 4 and said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right I will give you.’ So they went. 5 Again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour, and did likewise. 6 And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing idle, and said to them, ‘Why have you been standing here idle all day?’ 7 They said to him, ‘Because no one hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right you will receive.’

8 “So when evening had come, the owner of the vineyard said to his steward, ‘Call the laborers and give them their wages, beginning with the last to the first.’ 9 And when those came who were hired about the eleventh hour, they each received a denarius. 10 But when the first came, they supposed that they would receive more; and they likewise received each a denarius. 11 And when they had received it, they complained against the landowner, 12 saying, ‘These last men have worked only one hour, and you made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the heat of the day.’ 13 But he answered one of them and said, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? 14 Take what is yours and go your way. I wish to give to this last man the same as to you. 15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good?’ 16 So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen.”

Grace Offends the Earners (Matthew 20:1–16)

• All receive the same wage, regardless of hours worked.

• A landowner hires workers at different times of the day - from early morning to just before sunset. Even just one hour before the end.

• At the end of the day, he pays all the workers the same wage.

Verse 13–15: “Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things?”

God’s Grace Is Sovereign - God gives as He wills—not based on human effort.

• Those who worked longer felt entitled and complained.

• Those hired first grumble, expecting more, but the landowner reminds them they agreed to a fair wage and questions their resentment at his generosity.

• The landowner reminds them he paid what was agreed and that he has the right to be generous and asks why they are upset by his kindness.

• Grace levels the playing field—no one earns salvation

LESSON: This teaches us that GOD’s grace is not earned, and HIS generosity may challenge human thoughts of fairness.

God's kingdom operates on grace, not merit.

This parable illustrates that God's rewards are based not on how long or how hard we serve, but on His gracious calling and sovereign will.

KEY VERSE PART 1: "So the last will be first, and the first last." (v. 16a)

POINT:

• THIS parable isn’t about wages—it’s about grace.

• In GOD’s kingdom, grace outweighs merit.

• Grace is not earned—it’s freely given.

• No one “deserves” salvation – it’s a gift.

• Whether you came to Christ at 8 years old or 80, everyone receives the same reward - eternal life with HIM.

• GOD is not unjust in being generous; He is sovereign in showing mercy.

• Humility and faithfulness are more valued than self-importance or seniority.