Day 39: Lent 2026 – God Rewards By Grace

Matthew 20:14–15 (NKJV)
“Take what is yours and go your way. I wish to give to this last man the same as to you. Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good?”

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Exposition

This passage is drawn from the parable of the workers in the vineyard (Matthew 20:1–16), where Jesus reveals a critical truth about the nature of God’s kingdom: God’s rewards are governed by grace, not human merit.

In the parable, laborers were hired at different hours of the day—some early in the morning and others at the last hour. Surprisingly, they all received the same wage. Those who worked longer expected more, but the landowner responded by affirming his right to be generous.

This story challenges human logic. By natural standards, reward is tied to effort, duration, and performance. But in God’s kingdom, grace overrides merit.

Under the theme Grace and Truth (John 1:16–17), we see that God’s dealings with us are not strictly transactional but relational and gracious. Salvation itself is the greatest example—we all receive eternal life not because we earned it, but because God freely gives it (Romans 6:23).

The complaint of the early workers reflects a mindset rooted in comparison and entitlement. They measured their reward against others instead of appreciating the grace extended to them. This exposes a danger for believers: losing sight of grace can lead to pride, jealousy, and misunderstanding of God’s goodness.

God’s grace operates on a different economy:

• It is sovereign—God gives as He wills
• It is generous—beyond what we deserve
• It is inclusive—available to all, regardless of timing

Whether one comes early or late, the reward of grace remains sufficient and complete.

This truth should produce humility and gratitude, not competition. Instead of questioning God’s fairness, we are called to celebrate His goodness.

Key Lessons

1. God’s rewards are based on grace, not merit
   We receive from God not according to what we deserve, but according to His generosity.
2. Grace removes comparison and competition
   Each person’s reward is a gift, not a wage earned.
3. God is sovereign in His generosity
   He has the right to bless as He pleases.
4. Gratitude must replace entitlement
   Recognizing grace keeps our hearts humble and thankful.

Pastor Ebenezer Yinka Daramola

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Prayer Points

 

1. Father, thank You for the grace of salvation and for the privilege to be called into Your service as a co-labourer in Jesus’ name. (1 Corinthians 3:9).
2. Father, You are the faithful Rewarder of those that diligently seek You.You are righteous and just, Father, remember my labour of love in Jesus’ name. (Hebrews 11:6).
3. Father, enable me with grace to live a righteous life, turning away from unrighteousness and pleasing You at all costs in Jesus’ name. (Titus 2:11-12).
4. Father, give me the grace to stand through tests of time and to be able to do Your will with precision in Jesus’ name. (2 Corinthians 12:9).
5. Father, let me not be tired in Your Kingdom business, and let the grace that will announce my greatness, to reap a bountiful harvest overshadow me now in Jesus’ name. (Galatians 6:9).
6. Father envelope me with Your grace and let my efforts in Your service not be wasted in Jesus’ name. (2 Corinthians 12:9, 1 Corinthians 15:58).
7. I receive divine strength and assistance for righteous living and to overcome challenges in Jesus’ name. (Phil. 4:13).
8. Father, let me not ever experience shame in life as I walk in Your will, in Jesus’ name. (Psalm 25:2; Isaiah 54:4).
9. Lord, by Your grace and mercy, help me imbibe a forgiving spirit in Jesus’ name. (Colossians 3:13).
10. I command all my buried goodness, progress, and prosperity to begin to resurrect and to locate me in Jesus’ name. (Joel 2:25).
11. Father, let  my  walk  with  You  increase  my  faith  and  help  me  to  trust You in all situations in Jesus’ name. (Proverbs 3:5-6).
12. Father, please, let my love for You be genuine and unwavering, even in the face of adversity in Jesus’ name. (Hebrews 6:11-12).
13. Lord, help me to walk worthy of You, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of Your truth and grace, that my life will be a testimony of Your faithfulness in Jesus’ name. (Colossians 1:10).
14. Father, I ask for Your supernatural empowerment through grace to flourish in my career, finances, health, and overall prosperity in Jesus’ name. (Philippians 4:19).
15. Father, through Your grace and mercy, reward me bountifully for all my labour in Your vineyard, for Your glory in Jesus’ name. (1 Corinthians 15:58).