Be. Become. Do. - Day 17
Day 17 - Tuesday, October 3
Read Matthew 20
Highlight
The book of Matthew was originally written as a letter. Chapters, verses and chapter titles were all added much later. And sometimes, those chapter titles can be slightly misleading. For example, chapter 20 starts with a parable titled “Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard” (NIV) or “Laborers in the Vineyard” (ESV).
While it is about workers in a vineyard, it is more about the grace and compassion of the landowner. “The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner…” (v.1). Even though he hires workers at different times of the day, they all do the work asked of them. The landowner gives fair compensation, yet those hired first grumple because “they expected to receive more” (v.10). It was their own expectation of more that caused them to grumple. At the beginning of the day, they agreed to their wage and the landowner kept the agreement. “The point of the parable is not that all in the kingdom will receive the same reward but that kingdom rewards depend on God’s sovereign grace” (Longman III & Garland; “The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Matthew & Mark”).
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
Read Matthew 20
Highlight
The book of Matthew was originally written as a letter. Chapters, verses and chapter titles were all added much later. And sometimes, those chapter titles can be slightly misleading. For example, chapter 20 starts with a parable titled “Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard” (NIV) or “Laborers in the Vineyard” (ESV).
While it is about workers in a vineyard, it is more about the grace and compassion of the landowner. “The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner…” (v.1). Even though he hires workers at different times of the day, they all do the work asked of them. The landowner gives fair compensation, yet those hired first grumple because “they expected to receive more” (v.10). It was their own expectation of more that caused them to grumple. At the beginning of the day, they agreed to their wage and the landowner kept the agreement. “The point of the parable is not that all in the kingdom will receive the same reward but that kingdom rewards depend on God’s sovereign grace” (Longman III & Garland; “The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Matthew & Mark”).
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
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