INTRODUCTION: When observing two individuals or persons engaged in conversation a question to be asked is simply stated, “who has the power?”  The parents sets the curfew and when the child asks “why” the parent can respond by simply stating, “because I’m your mother!” which translates, “because I’ve got the power!”  The student asks the teacher, “Does the paper have to be four pages?” To which the teacher replies, “that’s what the assignment calls for!” which translates, “because I have the power!” The employee asks the manager, “Could I leave a little early tonight?” and he replies “not tonight!” which, translates, “because I have the power!”  Two armies arrive on the field of battle. One is superior and triumphs. The other must settle for peace. There are no negotiations; the superior victors spell out all the terms, for once again they have the power!

When it comes to our salvation we mustn’t ever have to question “who has the power?” Jesus assures us that He is superior over any foe; over sin, over death, over the devil. Because He has set the terms concerning our salvation there are no negotiations. Jesus sets the standards concerning our salvation as He explains to us in the parable of the workers in the vineyard.

I.        First, there is the standard of equality. “The owner answered, Take your pay and go home. I want to give this man who was hired last as much as I have given you.” (Vv.13-14) Good news edition.

A.     The workers hired early accused the owner of cheating them. Some Christians may think to themselves, “we’ve been with the Master lo these many years. We’ve been faithful. We haven’t wandered from the faith. Because we have been believers our entire lives should our reward be any different then those who come to faith in the twilight of their lives? There is equality with the Lord when it comes to the rewards of salvation. Whether one comes to faith in infancy or one’s deathbed the reward is the same – heaven.

B.     Notice how the owner explains himself and His motives. “I want to give this man who was hired last as much as I have given you.” (V.14) The goal for every believer is salvation when they come to faith. In comparison to eternity it’s immaterial. His call goes out to all who would hear His message of salvation and believe.

Transition: The Lord sets a standard of equality. He has set a standard of generosity.

II.     His standard of generosity. The owner asks in vs. 15 “Don’t I have the right to do as I wish with my own money?”

A.     After all it is His money. Salvation belongs to the Lord and He gives His salvation as He wills. He is gracious, compassionate, full of tender mercy and grace. How could we spurn His generosity?

B.     It’s His to give and freely and generously He has given us His grace. Luther reminds us as we pray the 5^th petition of the Lord’s Prayer “And forgive us our trespasses…” We pray in this petition that our Father in heaven would not look upon our sins, nor on their account deny our prayer; for we are worthy of none of the things for which we pray, neither have we deserved them; but that He would grant them all to us by grace; for we daily sin much and indeed deserve nothing but punishment. So we will also heartily forgive, and readily do good to, those who sin against us.

Transition: The Lord sets the standard; a standard of equality, a standard of generosity, a standard of justice.

III.       A standard of justice. Jesus concludes in Verse 16, “So those who are last will be first and those who are first, last.”

A.       Those who are considered last; lowly sinners condemned by their consciences and clear admonitions of the law in contrition and faith come to the foot of the cross and receive salvation.

B.       Those who are considered first; the high and mighty the self-righteous, the hypocrites, with their condescending criticisms, and condemnations are last for they would dare to enter heaven without Christ!

CONCLUSION: There are no negotiations with respect to Christ. He sets a higher standard – standards of equality, generosity and justice.