September 16, 2026

"No Fair!"

Matthew 20:1-16

One of the concepts we struggle to understand early in life is fairness. As we learn the "rules" of how life is lived, we learn quickly that. when one person follows the rules but another does not, the outcome of a game will probably not be fair. We also discover, often the hard way, that sharing and taking turns usually helps to keep things fair and balanced.

Any adult will admit, however, that mastering the art of fairness is a lifetime goal. Determining what is fair and what can often be a very complicated matter. Or so it would seem.

This brings us directly to the scripture we will read this Sunday. In the gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells a story about a group of laborers hired by a landowner. Some of the workers show up early and toil throughout the day. Others start their day a little later. Some even arrive near quitting time and labor only a short time. But when it comes time for wages to be paid, the landowner gives everyone the same amount, regardless of when they arrived at work. It is not hard for us to imagine why those who worked all day went to the owner with a very pointed message: "No Fair!"

We hope you will join us for worship this Sunday at Larchmont Avenue Church as we explore how "God's economy" is like ours... and how it is not.

LARCHMONT AVENUE CHURCH | lacny.org

Connect with us