Human nature has a way of making people feel more important than they actually are. Whether you are talking about self-confidence, egos or pride, these traits can blind you from reality. While Facebook uses terms like status as a way to express yourself, Jesus relied on stories to insure that first century citizens did not misconstrue God’s nature.
“The workers who were hired about five in the afternoon came and each received a denarius. So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each one of them also received a denarius,” Matthew 20:9-10.
In the parable of the Workers in the Field, Jesus reveals a reality about heaven. Just because you have been a faithful follower for months, years or decades does not mean your reward will be greater than those who came to faith later in life. Rather, eternal life is what God promises to those who trust in the Lord. Sure, the Bible does mention crowns bestowed upon those who faithfully serve God while on earth, but this should be like icing on a cake.
When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner. ‘These who were hired last worked only one hour,’ they said, ‘and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day,’ Matthew 20:11-12.
Unfortunately, many people make the mistake of equating earthly terms with eternity. Thus, individuals are unable to comprehend the true nature of God. Subsequently, people grumble like the passage above, disappointed when their expectations for God are no met. Several of the thirty plus parables recorded in the Bible were spoken to realign human misconceptions with an accurate perception of heaven. The next time you expect more from God, take some time to read the parables of Jesus so you won’t set yourself up for disappointment in the future.
by Jay Mankus
