Sermon for Septugesima. The Scripture readings are Exodus 17:1-7; 1 Corinthians 9:24-10:5; and Matthew 20:1-16.

The parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard is not about companies and businesses who have limited assets. This parable is about the kingdom of your God who has unlimited resources, and His vast resources are only outmatched by His incalculable mercy. There is only one vineyard and one master who is fair and just as well as being merciful and gracious like this. You can certainly return to the marketplace if you want, but there you will only find justice and no mercy.

In the end, there is only One who has worked a full day’s shift – Jesus, the eternal Son of God. Jesus has borne the heat of the day. He has come and done the work you could not ever do. He has fully kept God’s Law and was perfectly obedient to God’s Commands. He willingly went to the cross got the wrath and punishment of sins that you deserve. For the joy that was set before Him, He endured the cross (Heb. 12:2) for you, and you get His wages. And this is Jesus’ full delight.

Because of the mercy and grace of God, you are no longer an overpaid worker. You are a member of the kingdom, a child of God, and a brother or sister of Christ. Not only do you get paid generously, you also remain in the vineyard.