Part of being human includes an unwritten set of rules that emphasize earning, winning, and achievement. God calls us to a different way of being—where we are accepted and loved because of who God is and what Jesus has done for us rather than what we can do for him. Grace is the word that expresses this idea, and God’s grace dramatically changes the way we relate to God, others, and even self. Together, let’s push back against the very human motivation to perform and grow deeper in the reality of Jesus’ unlimited love. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. Read Jesus’ story in Matthew 20:1-16. How do you imagine Jesus’ audience (disciples, day-laborers, business owners/operators, farmers and tradesman, religious leaders) responding to this story? Who do you most identify with in this story and what is your emotional response to the landowner and the worker’s response? 2. Why do some of the laborers consider their employer’s actions unfair? What could cause some to consider God’s grace unfair? 3. Identify any unwritten rules or principles, deeply held beliefs and values, or life experiences that might create a blockage for you to experience and grow deeper in God’s grace. How could you lovingly confront those realities with the truth of Jesus’ unconditional acceptance? 4. Consider this quotation and what it would look like for the grace of God to penetrate the level of your emotions: “…the two major causes of most emotional problems among evangelical Christians are these: the failure to understand, receive, and live out God’s unconditional grace and forgiveness; and the failure to give out that unconditional love, forgiveness, and grace to other people” (David Seamands). 5. In what ways are you challenged or comforted when you remember that… a. God is just (keeps his promises). b. God is sovereign (does what he wants with what belongs to him). c. God is generous (offers gifts, not payments). d. God’s grace includes those we expect to be excluded. e. God’s grace sets you free. 6. How could you more fully receive God’s grace into your life and release God’s grace to someone else this week?