Matthew 20:1-16 (2017) Sermon Slides

1. CHILDREN? Matthew 20:1-16

2. Introduction • Vineyard parable • Parables have multiple dimensions • Wesleyan approach – equal grace no matter when you come to know Christ • A liberation theological approach – the world is not a fair place • Thus, the parable can be applied to most unfair circumstances

3. Scripture • The value of ONE denarius • Hours of the day • Pay was always done first in to last in • “Last will be first” could be Jesus way to show His anticultural approach

4. Culture • Treatment of children in Jesus’ day • Babies with birth defects were left outdoors to die • Parents did not create close emotional bonds until the children reached puberty age because of the high infant and early childhood mortality rates • Girls were married around 13 years old • Boys stayed with the nuclear family • Many women died in childbirth and when this happened the child was blamed • The first-born son got special treatment

5. Cultural Echo in Scripture • Treatment of children by the Patriarchs • Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, Isaac • Isaac, Rebekah, Esau, and Jacob • Jacob, Rachel, Leah, the two concubines and Joseph

6. For us Today • Children are a blessing from God • All children should receive equal treatment • Being a middle child, I can say that does not always happen • Jesus sees children as valued (Let the children come to me) • Equal treatment – parental love should mimic God’s love