This sermon was delivered by Pastor Akers at Lutheran Church of the Resurrection on February 16, 2025.

Grace Alone. The people of Israel departed from the Lord’s provision for them. They were dissatisfied with His provision, and so were sent away from the promised land into exile (Daniel 9:2-10). In the same way, the first laborers in the vineyard complained against the landowner for the wage he provided them (Matthew 20:1–16). They charged him with being unfair, but in reality he was being generous. For the Lord does not wish to deal with us on the basis of what we deserve but on the basis of His abounding grace in Christ. The first—those who rely on their own merits—will be last and will not remain in the life-giving vineyard: “Take what is yours and go your way” (Matthew 20:14). But the last, those who rely on Christ, will be first. For Christ is the Rock (1 Corinthians 9:24–10:5). He is the One who was struck and from whose side blood and water flowed that we may be cleansed of our sin.