Praying Together 20th September 2026

But it’s not Fair!

It looks like any of the workers in the vineyard (other than the very last cohort) were not too worried about exactly how much everyone else received provided they each got more than the next person – a typically human trait. They complained that the example Jesus used was ‘Unfair’.

 So what is Fair, then? Depends what you want to mean by it.

The early workers certainly don’t think it’s fair that the latecomers should receive an equal amount as they did irrespective of either time or output.

Is it not ‘fairer’ that the workers should be paid according to the hours of work they have put in, at an agreed hourly rate?

Or would it be fairer if they were paid by measuring the quality or quantity of the grapes they have harvested?

Perhaps a fair level of reward should be adjusted proportionally to take into account the size of their dependent families.

Is fairness actually about equality?

I have to confess that until it was brought to my notice that for a long time, I had used that word ‘Equality’ in prayers, presentations and sermons – wrongly. The word ‘equity’ would be better. Rather than try to explain using words, I came across this cartoon – look closely –  which makes the difference clear (a picture is worth a thousand words?).

Jesus is talking about equity; suggesting through the story that each will receive what they need – no less no more – actually there is no more than the gift He offers. Some have led almost blameless lives – some have fallen far from the path of righteousness – but all have sinned, and all need the salvation that only comes through Jesus.

Salvation.

It can’t be earned. No-one can get more than the next person. There are no degrees of salvation. Salvation is personal and unique to each human being. It is the complete gift – all you can ever need.