The Generous Farmer

Jesus told a story about a farmer who needed help:

Early in the morning, the farmer went to town. 'Come work in my vineyard!' he said. 'I'll pay you one silver coin.' The workers agreed and went to work.

A few hours later, the farmer found more people standing around. 'You can work too! I'll pay you fairly.' They went to work.

At noon, he found more workers. In the afternoon, more. Even near the END of the day—almost quitting time!—he found some people. 'Go work in my vineyard,' he said.

When the day was done, the farmer paid everyone. He started with the ones who came LAST. He gave them... one silver coin!

The workers who came FIRST thought, 'Ooh! We worked ALL day! We'll get MORE!'

But they got... one silver coin too. Same as everyone else!

'Hey! That's not FAIR!' they complained. 'We worked in the hot sun all day! Those guys only worked one hour!'

The farmer said, 'Friend, I'm not being unfair. Didn't you agree to work for one silver coin? I gave you exactly what we agreed. If I want to be GENEROUS to the others, that's my choice. Are you jealous because I'm kind?'

This story is about God's grace. Some people follow Jesus their whole lives. Some come to Him at the very end. But God gives the same gift to everyone: eternal life!

We shouldn't complain when God is generous to others. We should be thankful for His kindness to US!