Jesus once told a story about a landowner who went out to employ labourers early in the morning and offered them a silver coin for a day’s work.
They happily took the offer and started work.
Throughout the day, the owner went back out to the market and employed more workers until, with only an hour left, he employed still more.
When they came to be paid, starting with the last to be employed, he paid them all a silver coin.
Those who had been there all day grumbled at the unfairness of the owner’s generosity in making everyone equal.
We demand quality and the Bible tells us that we are equal before God.
That grants great dignity. But it is also humbling.
That’s because there is no-one who is totally righteous and good, we have all fallen short of God’s holiness. And for this, there is one payment, death – to be separated from God without hope forever.
The good news is that Jesus took that payment on the cross. So, when we come to him saying sorry for the sin in our lives and accepting him as saviour, we receive forgiveness and eternal life with God.
In life, we seek equality in many ways, but this story gives hope to everyone, that we can receive God’s mercy and promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ.
Find out more by joining us at St Crispin’s school on Sunday mornings.
Ian Stewart from Christ Church Wokingham, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham
