Preparing for Sunday - Matthew 20:1-16

February 26, 2015 Preparing for Sunday

Read Matthew 20:1-16.
Read Matthew 19:16 - 20:16. How does the previous text on the rich young ruler and the disciples response relate to the parable of the laborers in the vineyard? How do we know they relate? Look at Matthew 19:30 and 20:16.
How much does the master of the house agree to pay each of the workers through the day?
What order does the master pay his workers?
Why do the workers who started earlier expect to be paid more than the workers at the end of the day?
What is the master saying about his authority in Matthew 20:15?
What is Jesus illustrating with this by summarizing the parable in verse 20:16 with the same phrase that is used in Matthew 19:30?

How do we view our work in compared to how Jesus views our work?
What motivates our work? What should motivate our work according to the passage?
How do you respond to others who seem to be rewarded for less work with equal compensation? In the world? In the church?
Who are the laborers valuing more in this passage, themselves or the master? What does this display about who we value more?
Ultimately idols of the heart drive out who we worship. Jesus tells us that we cannot serve two masters; who in this passage is being wronged and who is being worshipped?

Respond in prayerful repentance of how you view yourself compared to how you view God.
Identify ways to elevate your view of God, through reading, singing, praying and fellowship.
How can this passage help you interact with others in the body this week? Is there restoration in relationships that needs to take place over your attitudes you have that resonate with this passage?
Pray for non-Christians right now that are brought to your mind as your read through these passages, that their hearts would be made ready and that you might be used in their lives by your Master.
How could this passage encourage you to pray specifically for our congregation? Pray now.
Pray for those who will be leading the service this week: Dawson Bryant, music; Mark Krystyniak, Elders' Prayer and Scripture Reading; Bret Capranica, teaching.
Listen to the music we will sing this week and prepare yourself to sing with understanding and zeal when we gather on the Lord's Day. Use the lyrics to meditate on the message of each song.