“The parables Jesus tells are often people’s most favorite parts of the New Testament because so much of the time the parables give us characters and stories that we love,” begins Phillip Martin, pastor of Epiphany Lutheran Church in Richmond, Virginia, “But no one says today’s parable about the workers in the vineyard from Matthew 20:1-16 is their favorite,” continues Martin. “The first will be last and the last will be first. Excuse me?” Where is the justice and fairness? Listen as Martin explains why God works on God’s own sense of justice and fairness despite what we may expect.

This sermon is from A Sermon for Every Sunday, a series of lectionary-based video sermons designed for use in worship, Bible study, small groups, Sunday school classes or for individual use.

For more sermon preparation help, check out Pulpit Resource, Will Willimon's weekly lectionary-based sermon resource, available online and through a print subscription.