That's Not Fair
Mike Stone
Matthew 20:1-16
It's one of the first things we ever learned to say in life. Not long after we learn to say, ''Ma-ma'' and ''Da-da'' we learn to say it. Like a right of passage or a prerequisite to enroll in the local pre-K program, we must learn to say, ''THAT'S NOT FAIR!''
The kid has to eat his broccoli while Dad does not. That's not fair!
You buy plain Cheerios while all their friends get Captain Crunch. That's not fair!
And it gets worse when siblings come along. When one child gets to stay up later than the other. That's not fair! When you run errands with one child and buy them an ice cream cone while you're out. That's not fair!
Unfortunately, it doesn't get any easier as you get older.
I tried out for the team but the teacher's pet made the cut...That's not fair!
I applied for the job but I didn't have the right last name...That's not fair!
I did all the work on that project but my coworker got the raise...That's not fair!
Everybody was driving 78 including one guy that blew by me doing at least 90 and I got the ticket. That's not fair!
Unfortunately, this attitude, this demand for fairness is often directed at God over FAR more serious matters.
I want a child and can't have one. That's not fair!
My spouse died and now I'm alone. That's not fair!
My child is in rebellion despite my best attempts. That's not fair!
I have cancer despite trying to live for God. That's not fair!
My husband lost his job and we are in a bind. That's not fair!
In response to a demand for FAIRNESS and EQUALITY, Jesus tells a little parable. It is immediately about salvation. But there's much in this little story for our every day context.
He started at 6am. If you've ever gotten on the back of a truck to go crop tobacco, you get the idea. The farmer came by to pick up some workers for the day. He went back at 9a...noon...3pm...and 5pm. At 6pm they quit.
At payroll time, he paid them in reverse order. The ones who ...
Mike Stone
Matthew 20:1-16
It's one of the first things we ever learned to say in life. Not long after we learn to say, ''Ma-ma'' and ''Da-da'' we learn to say it. Like a right of passage or a prerequisite to enroll in the local pre-K program, we must learn to say, ''THAT'S NOT FAIR!''
The kid has to eat his broccoli while Dad does not. That's not fair!
You buy plain Cheerios while all their friends get Captain Crunch. That's not fair!
And it gets worse when siblings come along. When one child gets to stay up later than the other. That's not fair! When you run errands with one child and buy them an ice cream cone while you're out. That's not fair!
Unfortunately, it doesn't get any easier as you get older.
I tried out for the team but the teacher's pet made the cut...That's not fair!
I applied for the job but I didn't have the right last name...That's not fair!
I did all the work on that project but my coworker got the raise...That's not fair!
Everybody was driving 78 including one guy that blew by me doing at least 90 and I got the ticket. That's not fair!
Unfortunately, this attitude, this demand for fairness is often directed at God over FAR more serious matters.
I want a child and can't have one. That's not fair!
My spouse died and now I'm alone. That's not fair!
My child is in rebellion despite my best attempts. That's not fair!
I have cancer despite trying to live for God. That's not fair!
My husband lost his job and we are in a bind. That's not fair!
In response to a demand for FAIRNESS and EQUALITY, Jesus tells a little parable. It is immediately about salvation. But there's much in this little story for our every day context.
He started at 6am. If you've ever gotten on the back of a truck to go crop tobacco, you get the idea. The farmer came by to pick up some workers for the day. He went back at 9a...noon...3pm...and 5pm. At 6pm they quit.
At payroll time, he paid them in reverse order. The ones who ...
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