Can you find the sheep who was paid a denarius for just a little work?
Can you find the sheep who is wondering if he will be paid more for working longer?
What do you think the pictures are trying to teach you about the Kingdom of God?
Click Here to read Matthew 20:1-16.
Do you know what a party favor is? Sometimes when you go to a birthday party the birthday boy or girl will have a party favor for everyone who comes to the party. As long as you were an invited guest and you make it to the party, you get a party favor. Maybe the party favor is a toy or some jewelry. Every invited guest gets a party favor no matter what time they show up.
Suzi might have arrived at Cami’s birthday party right when the party started but Kelsey arrived really late with only 10 minutes left in the party. Both Suzi and Kelsey will get a party favor. Kelsey does get a party favor but she also missed out on the fun parts of the party and maybe some prizes that were given out. Cami, the birthday girl is happy to see Kelsey at her party, even if she arrived late.
Jesus is teaching that some people believe in Him very early in their lives. Others believe very late in their lives. Both get the BIG party favor of spending eternity with Jesus, but one will have missed out on loving God throughout their life. Many believe that how you live down here on earth will be reflected in what rewards you get in heaven. People that have been walking with God their whole life will get more rewards than someone who gave their life to Jesus at the very end of their life. Both get the party favor, but one gets more of the party. Jesus is very happy to see both of them at the party and both get to spend eternity with Him.
Read Matthew 20:1-16 again:
How are you different after reading these verses?
Dear Jesus, please help my friends who don’t know You to believe in You soon. Give me opportunities to talk to them about You. Help them to see how important it is. Amen.