Adam and Eve corrupted themselves by having the thought of becoming like God by their work. And that work was eating of the forbidden fruit. And they started to judge themselves and others by appearance. God does not judge people by appearances or human standards but sees the heart of everyone. Therefore, the new and eternal covenant promises the change of the heart. It cannot be done by human will or effort.

In Matthew 20, there are two episodes that I’d like to focus on. The first one is in verse 1 to 16. And the second is verse 20 to 28. The first is about the hired laborers. Those who hired first later complained to the owner of the vineyard. They say he is unfair. By human standards, he may appear so. But he does not change his mind because of those who complain. Instead, he says, “Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for a denarius? Take what is yours and go; but I want to give to this last person the same as to you. Is it not lawful for me to do what I want with what is my own? Or is your eye envious because I am generous?” (v.13-15)

People, especially those who call themselves Christians, are reluctant to accept the fact that God can do whatever He wants to do. They do not acknowledge God’s own rights as the Creator. Regarding this, Apostle Paul says in Romans 9:

You will say to me then, “Why does He still find fault? For who has resisted His will?” On the contrary, who are you, you foolish person, who answers back to God? The thing molded will not say to the molder, “Why did you make me like this,” will it? Or does the potter not have a right over the clay, to make from the same lump one object for honorable use, and another for common use? What if God, although willing to demonstrate His wrath and to make His power known, endured with great patience objects of wrath prepared for destruction? And He did so to make known the riches of His glory upon objects of mercy, which He prepared beforehand for glory, namely us, whom He also called, not only from among Jews, but also from among Gentiles (Romans 9:19-24)

The doctrine of predestination is rejected by many Christians because there are not many who have been given understanding. The focus is not on my salvation but on God’s grace. God’s grace is total, complete, and absolute grace. No one can earn that grace. One may spend hours and hours reading the Bible and even teach people. Yet, God may consider that person dumb.

You are the teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things? (John 3:10)

The first passage (Matt 20:1-16) may not be about the doctrine of predestination. The passage is likely about Jews and Gentiles. It may also be about the earlier generations and the last generation. But what I’d like to say is that Christians do not acknowledge God’s own rights and thus, reject Him.

For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord.
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways
And My thoughts than your thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9)

Job also considers God is unfair and thinks he can do a better job. He later was rebuked by God and repented. God tells Job the knowledge that only the Creator has. What God knows, Job does not know. The word “know” appears many times both in the OT and the NT.

Verse 20 to 28 also talks about the same thing. God has set all His plans and fulfills all.

But Jesus replied, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?” They said to Him, “We are able.” He said to them, “My cup you shall drink; but to sit at My right and at My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by My Father.” (v.22-23)

Sitting at Christ’s right and at His left requires serving others and suffering. It requires Agape, self-sacrificing love. Earlier I mentioned that we do not have love in ourselves. It can only be given by God through the Spirit. By the power of the Spirit, we can truly love, not by our own will but by God’s will.

Many churches encourage people to make a pledge to God publicly. They play loud and emotional music to promote this. And Christians make many false promises to God, which they cannot keep. I did, too. I did not know what I was saying to God. I did not acknowledge God’s own rights. Those who will receive much rewards must go through much suffering. None of us can say, “we are able” because such suffering cannot be endured by human will or efforts. The disciples did not know what they were saying. After Christ’s ascension, they were given the knowledge of God and power to endure suffering through the Spirit. I do not doubt their wish to become superior to others disappeared completely because of persecutions and suffering. Suffering brings complete submission to God. It is the opposite of pride. There is no doubt the disciples said at the end:

“Thy kingdom come, thy will be done.” (Matt 6:10)