1. 2 nd Crown: Joy Matthew 20:1-16

2. 2 nd Crown: Joy Intro Matthew 20:1 “…for the Kingdom of heaven is like…” The larger context for this parable — A teaching moment for the disciples. The rich young man conversation Matt 19:16-30

3. 2 nd Crown: Joy The rich young man conversation. Matt 19:16-30 The question: Matt 19:16 Matt 19:21—Do we really believe this truth? Peter’s question: matt 19:27 Jesus — Matt 19:28,29 Kingdom Living in a non-kingdom world.

4. 2 nd Crown: Joy The parable of the Vineyard Matt 20:11, “…they grumbled…” Response. Matt 20;15, “…are you envious because I am generous.” Deep down, we are jealous that God is seemingly generous to someone else but not us. We resent Him for what we do not have, rather than call our response for what it really is and we justify our anger in response to God’s alleged mistreatment.

5. 2 nd Crown: Joy Does my anger really serve me? Does my resentment change my situation? Does my bitterness improve my relationship with God and others? Whom does my anger really impact? Me, God, others?

6. 2 nd Crown: Joy Matthew 20:28. Cf Mk 10:45 A perspective from John 17 Jn 17:4 & 17:13 Joy is the presence of God.

7. 2 nd Crown: Joy Phil 3:20-4:1 & 1 Thess 2:19,20 Barclay on this Stephanos The word has two contexts (i) It was the crown that the victorious athlete wore at the Greek games. (ii) It also was the crown which guests wore when they sat at the banquet table, as they celebrated and experienced times of great joy.

8. An application from Scripture Philip — Acts 8:26-38 1. Available & Obedient Acts 8:26—arise and go—Philip went Abraham went not knowing where Heb 11:8 2. A tactful question. Acts 8:30 By listening he (Philip) met the Ethiopian where was and helped him take the next step in his journey towards God. 3. Focus on Jesus — Acts 8:35 Note the response Acts 8:36-38