Laborers in the Vineyard

Bible Study (One hour)

Focus: This Bible study focuses on the differences between God's understanding of "fairness and equality" and our own.

Preparation: Arrange chairs or tables in the room so that the group can be subdivided into five groups representing the five groups of laborers in the parable:

# 1 -- Early Morning
# 2 -- Nine o'clock
# 3 -- 12 o'clock Noon
# 4 -- 3 o'clock
# 5 -- 5 o'clock

As participants enter the room, hand out slips of paper numbered 1 - 5. Ask all persons with the same number to sit close to each other.

Prepare copies of handout sheets: Matthew 20:1-16, and the  "Mutuality Principles" (PDF, 57K) for each person

Post on newsprint the task of each small group

Outline key points about the situation from the perspective of your group of workers.

Program

Introduction (5 minutes):

Facilitator 1: Our Bible Study today will be on Matthew 20, verses 1-16 - The Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard. It is a parable that has some interesting parallels with current reality in the United States. Jesus told this parable shortly before his entry into Jerusalem. In the conversation that precedes this story, the issue was raised about achieving eternal life. One young man went away sad because he found it too difficult to contemplate the price of giving all his possessions. Peter also voiced his concern about the future of the disciples who had given up everything to follow Jesus. Jesus' reassurance to Peter was not necessarily any easier. The story of the laborers in the vineyard provided an illustration of its meaning.

Facilitator 2: Listen to Matthew 20-1-16. (Read the entire text.)

Part One - The Day Laborers

Small Group Discussions (10 minutes)

Facilitator 1: In each group, please take five minutes and share your feelings about the outcome of the parable, listing key points to share with the larger group. Each table has been assigned the identity of one of the five groups of laborers in the story, based on the time of day that they began work. How long has your group been in the community? How do you feel about what happened to your group of laborers? If these were laborers in your own community, what might be the racial and ethnic identity of different groups? How are your feelings affected by your group's past in the community?

You have 10 minutes for your discussion.

Reporting Back (10 Minutes)

Facilitator 2 begins with the group(s) identified as "Early Morning" and asks for their brief comments. Facilitator asks reporters not repeat what others have said but to add on additional insights. Take reports until all groups have had a chance to speak. Facilitator 1 may take notes on the groups' views on newsprint.

(Allow 10 minutes.)

Part Two - Mutuality

Introduction (5 minutes)

Facilitator 1: Let's read verses 13-16 again. Let's read these verses again. Facilitator 2 rereads verses 13-16.

What do we learn about God's principles of equality and fairness that seem to be at odds with the reactions of the labor groups that we have just heard?

Give time for a few brief responses. Facilitator 2 may record the responses on newsprint.

Small Group Discussion (10 minutes)

Facilitator 2: Do you think these workers have a common stake in what happens? Take out the sheet entitled "Mutuality". For the second part of this Bible Study, think about what would occur if the workers thought about ways to work together - mutuality - as a way in which all might benefit. These statements are taken from a book, Mutuality in Mission, written by Dr. Glory and Dr. Jacob Dharmaraj. Glory is on the staff of the Women's Division and her husband is a local pastor.

Here are the tasks for your second small group discussion:

Each table should first pick two principles that apply to their situation. Then, think about what your group might do differently with these concepts of mutuality in mind. How might these principles inform our response to immigrants and immigrant rights in the U.S. today?

You have 10 minutes.

Reporting Back (10 minutes)

Facilitator 1: Select a representative from each table share one insight from your discussion, telling how it may help United Methodist Women at the local, district, conference and national levels think about their approach to immigrant rights issues. (10 minutes)

Wrap Up (5 minutes)

Facilitator 2: We hope that this Bible Study has given you new ideas as you examine issues concerning immigrant and refugee rights, especially as they challenge us to act. We must keep what we have learned about God's understanding of "fairness and equality" as a guide for our actions, and strive to put Principles of Mutuality in Mission into practice.

Closing Prayer or Song (5 minutes)