Model Faith for Christian Service: Matthew 19:28-20:14 -- By: Lon Gregg

Journal: Journal of the Grace Evangelical Society
Volume: JOTGES 19:36 (Spring 2006)
Article: Model Faith for Christian Service: Matthew 19:28-20:14
Author: Lon Gregg


Model Faith for Christian Service:
Matthew 19:28-20:14

Lon Gregg

Spiritual Director
Denver Rescue Mission
Denver, CO

I. Introduction

Of the many powers of faith in Jesus Christ, one of its greatest would be the sway it holds over the prospect of eternal reward. Above the doorway to that “Faith Hall of Fame” lies the motto “he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Heb 11:6). The famous Parables of the Minas (Luke 19:12–27) and the Talents (Matt 25:14–30) point to faith in the long-absent Noble as the avenue to generous recompense of service. James says baldly that faithlessness destroys all hope of receiving anything, ever, from the Father: “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting…[otherwise he should not] suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord” (Jas 1:6–7). No doubt faith was the basis of Paul’s assurance of reward also; he knew “there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day…” (2 Tim 4.8). Paul reflected, “I know Him whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day” (2 Tim 1:12). Faith makes reward a reality!

If we may grant the role of faith in assuring our eternal reward, we might approach a difficult passage like Matt 19:28–20:14, the Parable of the Vineyard Workers, in better hope of understanding this challenging tale. That this parable is a test to interpreters is evident from the briefest survey of commentaries. Students diverge as to whether this story so much as contemplates reward for work rendered! Related are two other main controversies, namely the rationale for the equality in the day’s wages, and the reversal of the order in the pay line at day’s end. If we can first establish, however, that this parable is in fact a guide to seeking confidently after reward, then perhaps the key of faith may help us unlock the motivational treasures hidden in this famous story.

II. The Denarius: Token of Eternal Life?

So then, should the interpreter approach the parable as a moral about how Christians should properly serve in hope of reward? Or is it rather, as is sometimes asserted, a reminder about appreciating a free salvation? Despite all the trappings of the marketplace, the exchange of cash for s...

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