What Jesus Did! 'More than Expected' — Matthew 20:8-9

Monday, September 15, 2025

[Jesus continued his parable about the Kingdom of Heaven being like workers hired at different times during the day:] "That evening [the landowner] told the foreman to call the workers in and pay them, beginning with the last workers first. When those hired at five o'clock were paid, each received a full day's wage."
— Matthew 20:8-9 NLT

Key Thought

Wow! Imagine getting a full day's wage for working just the last part of the day! The workers hired near the end of the day didn't have to work through the heat. They didn't have to work the long hours. They went from having nothing to being paid for a full day's work in just a few hours.

This is the way we must view our situation before God. God is going to reward us with what we don't deserve when we have come to realize we are worthy of nothing. That's grace!

Today's Prayer

Father, I thank you that you included me in your family. I know I couldn't earn it or deserve it, but you "graced" me with it. Thank you! I hope my life is lived in a way which does point to your glory. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Psalm 103:8-13
  • Ephesians 3:20-21
  • 1 Peter 2:10

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Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 20:8-9 NLT — "That evening [the landowner] told the foreman to call the workers in and pay them, beginning with the last workers first. When those hired at five o'clock were paid, each received a full day's wage."

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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