When Grace Doesn't Make Sense

"Because his grace does not make sense to me. And yet I could not escape it." – Pastor Matthew

Pastor Matthew began this message by inviting the church to turn to Matthew 20. He reflected on two life-shaping statements that still shape his faith today. The first came from his mother, who often answered questions about obedience, worship, or trust with one simple phrase: Because He’s God. That truth carried him through moments of tension when obedience felt difficult. The second statement was his own, spoken years later during teaching: His grace does not make sense to me, and yet I could not escape it.

That realization captured the heart of the gospel and became a personal anchor for him.
With those statements in mind, Pastor Matthew explained that the day’s message would focus on God’s grace through the parable of the vineyard workers. He prayed that listeners would find encouragement, especially if they felt dry, unworthy, or burdened with guilt, as they heard Jesus’ words.

Jesus told a story to reveal the kingdom of heaven. A master went into the marketplace early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. He agreed to pay them a denarius for a day’s work, which meant twelve hours of labor. Later, at 9 a.m., noon, 3 p.m., and even as late as 5 p.m., the master returned to hire more workers, each time promising to pay what was right.

At the end of the day, the master gathered everyone to receive their wages. He began with the last group, who had worked only one hour, and gave them a full day’s pay. The earlier workers assumed they would receive more, but they too were paid a single denarius. They grumbled, believing it was unfair, but the master reminded them that he had kept his promise and had the right to show generosity as he chose.

From this story, Pastor Matthew drew the first truth: God is not fair. That statement may sound uncomfortable at first, but fairness is a human perception, not a fixed standard. We often judge fairness by incomplete knowledge, limited perspective, and personal preference.

To illustrate this, Pastor Matthew shared a story from his years as a basketball coach. A player had asked him to be subbed out during close games because of anxiety. When he honored that request, the player’s mother became angry, believing it was unfair. Only after speaking with her son did she understand the full situation. What she thought was unfair was actually the best decision.

Likewise, when we question God’s fairness, we assume we understand all the details. But God sees past, present, and future with perfect clarity. His decisions take into account outcomes that stretch far beyond what we can see. Jesus was comfortable teaching that God is not bound by our definition of fairness, because His ways are higher.

The second truth is that God is both just and generous. In the parable, every worker received at least what they were promised. Some received far more. Justice means that God cannot ignore sin. From the beginning, humanity chose to rebel, and the just consequence was death and separation from Him. Yet God, in His love, stepped into our brokenness through Jesus.

Pastor Matthew explained that Jesus lived a sinless life and willingly took the punishment we deserved. On the cross, He absorbed the penalty of sin so that we could be forgiven. This is why Scripture declares that God is both just and the one who justifies. Justice was satisfied at the cross, and generosity was poured out in grace. Because of this, believers can boldly approach God, knowing He welcomes them without hesitation.

The third truth is that salvation is offered to all, but each person must respond. Just as the master repeatedly went out to invite workers into the vineyard, God continually calls people to Himself. Some respond early in life, some later, and some at the very end. No matter when the response happens, those who say yes to Jesus are welcomed equally.

Pastor Matthew emphasized that faith is not simply believing God exists. Real faith is trust so deep that it leads to surrender and obedience. It is placing everything in God’s hands, declaring that He has the right to lead our lives. Salvation is not earned by effort but received as a gift of grace through faith.

The final truth is that following Jesus costs everything, but the sacrifice is worth it. Jesus called His followers to take up their cross daily, surrendering wants and desires. Pastor Matthew reminded listeners of the rich young man in Matthew 19 who walked away from Jesus because he valued possessions more than eternal life. In contrast, Jesus promised His disciples that anyone who gave up something for Him would receive back far more, peace, joy, new community, and eternal life.

On the day of judgment, no one will regret what they surrendered for Christ. Instead, many will wish they had given up more. Pastor Matthew urged the church to make the decision now, not later, to follow Jesus with everything.

As the message concluded, Pastor Matthew invited people to bow their heads and reflect. He acknowledged that some had never surrendered to Jesus because of fear, doubt, or past mistakes. He assured them that today could be the day of salvation. Hands were raised across the room as people responded to the call. Pastor Matthew prayed over them, celebrating that God still saves and that heaven rejoices whenever someone turns to Him.