Pursuing the ‘Kingdom’
September 24, 2023
Scripture: Matthew 20:1-16
I often think about the seemingly huge difference between what Jesus proclaimed in saying that the ‘Kingdom of Heaven was among us’…and what we see all around us each and every day. Except for passing glimpses throughout history, in which it seemed as though such a state was, or might have been achievable, the overwhelming evidence on the ground almost always seems to contradict these curious words of our Lord. In light of the immense challenges facing us all today with multiple crises and deep divisions among the populace, and even starkly, within the body Christian itself, to assert that the Kingdom is indeed ‘among us’, seems like a fool shouting into the wind…for few if any would do other than to laugh at such an outlandish claim.
And yet, this is a claim that was made by Jesus over and over. And in the two thousand plus years since then, it seems as though resistance to that being our actual lived experience, is as strong as it was when Jesus was nailed to the cross by Roman soldiers. Life is tough and can be hard, even brutal at times, making it hard to imagine that a state of peaceful and loving harmony could ever find its way to being our daily reality.
Our scripture passage today is often heard as a justification for the generosity of God, or, of the right of God to do whatever God chooses when it comes to doling out blessings or provision. It also can be read as a cautionary tale, reminding one to be satisfied with their own lot, and to rejoice at the good fortune of others and not to lapse into envy or feeling unjustly slighted.
But aside from that, I think our parable today might actually speak of how we might begin to imagine the Kingdom of Heaven among us here and now. Which may seem like a stretch, but let me explain. As I said, I have long wondered what Jesus meant in claiming that the Kingdom was at hand, because I have a deep longing for our life here on earth to actually be more peace-filled, more compassionate and truly characterized by caring for one another. It seems that if we could somehow find our way to living and relating to each other in these ways, then life would be so richer and so much more wholesome for all.
In addition, I have long felt that a living and interactive relationship of love with our Lord is ‘that thing of greatest value’…that ‘pearl of great price’ referred to in the parable, that ‘coin that was lost and then found’. And contrary to what many believe, I feel that experiencing this love-relationship in fullness, simply does not have to wait until after one’s earthly life is complete and the soul has been set free. Rather I believe that it can and in fact does begin at the very moment one turns their heart towards God and seeks to come under the care of the Holy Spirit.
Perhaps, in using today’s parable of the workers in the vineyard to describe the Kingdom of Heaven, Jesus was teaching that this same relationship with God was one to which all were welcome, no matter what time it was they came to ‘labor in his vineyard’. Sharing as well that people who had labored long and hard to further the purposes of God were not somehow ‘better’, or to be more highly rewarded than others, but rather, that the experience within the vineyard itself, where all were working together to accomplish a goal critically important to the vineyard owner, was in fact the experience of the ‘Kingdom among us’. The fulfillment of Jesus’ words calling for a ‘kingdom-community’ both lived and understood by all who labored together in common purpose.
Sadly, if it is what Jesus was trying to convey, I fear it is the mark often missed when it comes to our call to visibly witness the core-principles of our faith. For as I previously mentioned, deep divisions between members, and/or factions of our faith seem to ensure that disunity and distance remains between where we are now as the Christian faith, and where we are called to be.
And I think that is because many of us are content to put off this radical claim of our Lord regarding the actual presence of the Kingdom…until after death. Content to continue to fight it out down here, continuing to argue and disagree. And even worse, refusing to be held to account when it comes to the gospel command to truly lay down our lives in service to one another. I fear that far too many have decided that their own individual faith understanding is sufficient to tide them over, rather than getting into the often-messy work of learning how to sacrifice all for the gospel of our Lord right here and now.
So, after many years of wondering and looking at this seeming contradiction, I for one do believe that in fact, Jesus very much meant what he said, that it is possible for us to participate in living into the fullness of the ‘Kingdom of Heaven’, here and now. Which, though it truly is a bold claim to make in light of all that’s currently so challenging, it is a claim I choose to stand on.
And that is because I hear this passage teaching us of the unspeakable treasure of dwelling together in Christian community, together with common purpose, common resolve, and a steadfast commitment to ushering in this kingdom until all can see the glory of our Lord. Truly life lived within the embrace of community and spent working together within the ‘vineyard’ of our Lord is dwelling within the Kingdom of love and grace itself. It is the ‘among us’ Jesus was referring to regarding the Kingdom.
And furthermore, this entrance into grace is available to all, as soon as it is accepted within the heart of one who seeks after it. It’s like a shawl that one puts on and goes to work in, a set of ‘holy work clothes’ if you will, in which to work side by side in the vineyard of our Lord. This is the only reason I can come up with to explain why it is that Jesus seemed so intent on focusing on ‘now’ as the time to start living into his promised Kingdom. ‘Working within community to further the purposes of our Lord’, is in and of itself, both the reward and the pathway, fully sufficient, and fully complete. Being in relationship with the Lord, doing the work he asks, loving one another, and extending ourselves on behalf of those in need is in fact the reward of our labor.
It is not, and never was about being ‘paid fairly’ for one’s ‘God-work’. For in truth, all we do receive is already a gift and a blessing to begin with. Rather, it is all about working together, such that everyone, including those who have long labored and those who perhaps have joined only recently may share together the all-sufficient grace and provision given to all who labor in love. Grace is our entire and sufficient reward…for together we are in relationship with One who will watch over us, guide us, protect us, and never abandon us…all while providing a fully sufficient measure for us to continue the work.
If one comes into this ‘labor’, this grace as a child, then truly blessed are they, for it will hold and direct their innermost soul forever, even though one may wander here or there for a time. Laboring all one’s life in service of our Lord of love is a blessing indeed. On the other hand, if one comes to the vineyard as an adult, they will there find greater meaning and purpose in the work of the gathered community, as well as that same guidance and provision for their needs. And finally, even if one has come to the vineyard only recently, regardless of their age or their story, they are still gladly welcomed in, still tasked with helping to gather in the treasure of our Lord’s harvest…still given a full measure of the love and embrace of our God…and fully entitled to an equal share of both the reward and the responsibility within the Lord’s vineyard.
My friends, I truly believe with all my heart, that the Kingdom of heaven awaits only its revealing by those who work gathering in the harvest of grace…the reward…is the labor itself…and the blessing of dwelling together as one holy and beloved community is there for the living into.
May we have the courage, and the boldness to join together in pursuing fullness of our Lord’s kingdom, let us work in the vineyard of our Lord…together…amen
