Scott Allen leads today's lesson from Matthew 20:1-16. A landowner hires workers for his vineyard throughout the day. Some begin early, right after sunset, for the typical Roman daily wage of one denarius. Others are hired at later times when found idle in the town. At the end of the day, the landowner pays one denarius to those who got a late start. Grumbling and complaining begins when the early works also receive the same pay. Is the landowner being unfair? Or is Jesus' parable teaching us about God's economy of grace? Listen in for a deep dive into this profound parable and let God reveal the abundance of His amazing grace towards mankind.

This week we acknowledge and mourn the passing of brother Ken Travis at 89 years old. Scott Allen leads today's lesson from Matthew 19:16-30. How do we obtain eternal life? Can we buy access to it? Can we earn it through good works? Jesus responds to a rich young ruler who seems to have all the right answers yet walks away in sorrow after Jesus' final challenge. Each of us must decide whether to trust in our own resources and comforts or to follow and rely on Jesus. Only through faith in Jesus' death on the cross can we obtain the forgiveness of sin and assurance of eternal life. We also find hope in the promise that what awaits believers far outweighs the troubles and shortcomings of our limited, mortal lives.

Scott Allen leads today's lesson from Matthew 18:21-35. In Jewish law, an offense had to be forgiven up to three times. Peter wondered if he should forgive up to seven times. What did Jesus say? Are we right to set a limit on forgiveness? Jesus used a story about a king and two servants with debts to teach us a valuable lesson about what it means to live as a recipient of God's forgiveness.

Scott Allen leads today's lesson from Matthew 28:1-10,16-20. An earthquake shook the land and scattered the guards. A stone's seal was broken and an angel appeared. The tomb was empty. What was the meaning of these strange happenings? Was all of this predicted? Do we have evidence that informs our faith? Yes, said the angel. Jesus was risen, just as he had predicted! And his instructions were to meet in Galilee. Then Mary saw the risen Savior Jesus. She rushed to share the news. Would the disciples believe her? What would Jesus say to them in Galilee? And what does Jesus' message mean to us today?

Scott Allen leads today's lesson from Matthew 17:1-13. Three disciples went with Jesus to the mountain top. There, Jesus full glory was shown as He took on the white light of a heavenly presence. Two key figures, Moses and Elijah, appeared as well, representing the Law and the Prophets (that is, the entire Old Testament). But most of all, the voice of God the Father affirmed Jesus (as at Jesus' baptism) and directed the disciples to listen to Him. Post-resurrection, all believers are invited to rest in the glorious presence of Jesus, treasuring His words to us and expressing thankfulness for all that Jesus intentionally fulfilled on our behalf at the cross.

Scott Allen leads today's lesson from Matthew 16:13-26. Who is Jesus? People have their opinions, but believers recognize what Peter realized, that Jesus is the Christ (Messiah), the Son of God. As we recognize who Jesus is, we also learn what it means to serve under His authority and submit to His priorities, because in the economy of heaven, nothing compares to the riches of knowing Christ in this life and the assurance of eternal life ahead.

Scott Allen leads today's lesson from Matthew 15:1-11, 15-20. The Pharisees, by reputation the most religious and zealous of all Jews, accused Jesus' disciples of a legal violation when they ate without immediately washing their hands first. Jesus in turn pointed out the hypocrisy of those who focus on external and superficial human rules but disobey God's moral law. The Pharisees encouraged Jews to abandon their duty toward their parents and instead devote all of their gifts to the temple treasury. In their greed for more material donations, the Pharisees were in disobedience to God's moral commandment to honor one's father and mother. Believers must always guard against the hypocrisy of following man-made rules instead of God's timeless instructions.

Scott Allen leads today's lesson from Matthew 14:22-33. Have you ever found it difficult to find time alone with the Father? Has it ever seemed like life was working against you? Have you found yourself frustrated and afraid? Then you can relate to today's lesson. As the disciples tried to follow Jesus' instructions with limited success, believers today can be comforted by His presence, equipped by His power, and blown away by His preeminence.