Welcome to “Hart to Heart,” a space where we connect, reflect, and grow together in our faith journey. As your pastor, I am honored to share insights, stories, and biblical teachings that resonate with our daily lives. This corner is dedicated to fostering a deeper understanding of God’s word and its application in our community.

In “Hart to Heart,” you’ll find weekly reflections on scripture, discussions on pressing spiritual matters, and personal anecdotes that highlight God’s work among us. It’s my prayer that these messages inspire and encourage you, providing guidance and comfort as we navigate life’s challenges together. Let’s embark on this journey of faith, hart to heart, strengthening our bond with each other and with our Lord.

Hart to Heart:

6/6/2025

Humbly Grateful or Grumbly Hateful

Matthew 20:1-16

Possibly you know this parable well, yet it Is well worth reading again.

You may click on each of the underlined scripture references, if you wish to view the verse.

Matthew 20:1 This parable demonstrates how things operate in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Matthew 20:16 The first will be last, the last we be first.

  1. It’s 6am, the master seeks laborers for his vineyard. Matthew 20:1
    He found those willing to work, but they had certain requirements and expectations
    We must understand the owner agreed to their demand and sent them into his vineyard.
    Matthew 20:2 “A penny” was a day’s wage.
    Please remember inflation.
    The owner’s word was their contract.
  2. It’s now 9am, the owner found others idle in the marketplace, Go into the vineyard and whatsoever is right, I will give you. Matthew 20:3-4
    These made no demands, or work requirements.
    They trusted the good man of the house.
  3. Also at 12 noon, 3pm and 5pm he hired more to work in his field.
    “Why stand ye here idle all day?”
    They answered, “Because no man hath hired us.”
    “Go ye into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.”
    No debate, No labor contract, No demands.
    Matthew 20:5-6
  4. Quitting time, it’s 6pm, call the workers. Pay them beginning with the last unto the first.
    Matthew 20:8
    Those hired last were surprised to find grace in the eyes of the master, receiving a full day’s pay.
    Wow! Isn’t that just like our Lord.
    Ephesians 3:20-21
    Matthew 20:9
  5. Those hired first declare, “That ain’t fair!”
    • We should have received MORE!
    • They murmured against the Goodman.
    • Some worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us, WHAT!
      Matthew 20:10-12
  6. The master had done these men no wrong.
    • Did you not agree to work for a day’s pay?
    • Take your wages and leave right now!
    • I will reward each man as I desire.
    • Is your eye evil because I am GOOD?
      Matthew 20:16
  7. Some observations, I Peter 5:6 James 4:6
  8. Consider Joe McKeever’s statement. “You can resolve a lot mystery regarding God by this simple statement, It pleased Him to do it that way.”
  9. Consider the mistakes made by disgruntled workers.
  10. What if the Grumbly Hateful had been Humbly Grateful?
    Possibly the householder would have been looking for a foreman. Have you got a better idea?
    • “Thank you for hiring us, good pay as you promised.”
    • “You are a good man, hiring many workers.”
    • “I want to work for you. A just man, who cares for all his laborers.”
    • “Sir, may I work for you tomorrow?”

Homer G Lindsay “If you want to motivate your people to serve the Lord, teach them to be thankful.”

Friends, many are called, but few are chosen.

What is our response to the Lord?

Serve the Lord with gladness.

Are we Humbly Grateful or Grumbly Hateful?

In Christ,
Pastor David Hart

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