When we consider God’s fairness, we often ask difficult questions: Why do good things happen to undeserving people, and why do bad things happen to those who seem to deserve better? These questions are not new. They echo the ancient cries of many who have struggled with the mysteries of the faith. The prophets in the Old Testament asked these questions. The disciples in the New Testament asked them. We do today as well.
In Matthew 20:1-34, Jesus shares the parable of the vineyard workers, a story that challenges our human understanding of fairness. The landowner in the parable hires workers at different times of the day, yet at the end of the day, he pays them all the same wage. Those who worked the longest complained, feeling they deserved more for their efforts. But the landowner’s response is revealing: “Is it against the law for me to do what I want with my money? Should you be jealous because I am kind to others?” (Matthew 20:15).
This parable illustrates a profound truth about God’s grace. God’s generosity is not bound by our human concepts of fairness. We often measure worth by effort or merit, but God’s grace is extended freely to all, regardless of how long or hard they have worked. In God’s kingdom, it is not
about earning His favor but about receiving His grace.
The story of Job further deepens our understanding of this mystery. Job was a righteous man who endured unimaginable suffering. His friends tried to explain his suffering by suggesting that he must have done something to deserve it, but Job maintained his innocence. When God finally speaks, He does not provide the explanations Job seeks. Instead, He challenges Job’s understanding of justice and righteousness: “Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorant words?” (Job 38:2).
Job’s story shows that God’s ways are higher than ours. We may not always understand why certain things happen, but we can trust that God’s wisdom and justice are perfect. God’s fairness is not like human fairness. It is rooted in His perfect knowledge, love, and mercy. God’s grace is a gift, not something we can earn or deserve. The parable of the vineyard workers shows us that in God’s kingdom, the first will be last, and the last will be first. This is not a call to a race to the bottom, but a reminder that what matters is not our position, but whether we have received God’s grace.
The cross is the ultimate example of God’s fairness. Jesus, the only truly innocent sufferer, took on the greatest evil for our greatest good. He suffered not because He deserved it, but because He chose to bear our sins so that we might receive His righteousness.
So, is God unfair? By our own incomplete standards, yes. But when we view fairness through the lens of God’s grace and mercy, we see that God’s “unfairness” is actually His incredible generosity. He gives us far more than we could ever earn or deserve. Be thankful for His grace and trust in His perfect wisdom, knowing that He is always just, even when we don’t fully understand.