Scripture Insights
Today’s parable from Matthew is notoriously difficult. Some have questioned
the landowner’s statement that he can do whatever he likes with his
money, as it implies that he may be exploitative if he pleases. The parable
seems to focus, however, on the landowner’s generosity by juxtaposing two
economies to make a statement about drastic change or complete reversal.
The economies on display are an exchange economy and a gift economy.
An exchange economy is based on a tit-for-tat agreement: you know
what you will get in exchange for what you give. This economy is generally
to the advantage of the owner, centering on cost, price, and profit. Laborers,
in exchange for their work, receive wages, but they will only receive
what is rightfully earned and rarely more. An exchange economy can be described
by the words debt and obligation: laborers owe owns service or toil,
and owners are obligated to pay laborers money.
In contrast, a gift economy declines this tit-for-tat calculation to operate
by another principle. It goes by unmerited favor or extravagant generosity.
Instead of something negotiated or agreed on, it urns calculated exchange
into ungrounded magnanimity or, in Christian terminology, grace.
God’s generosity with u should model our interaction with each other.
We see this in Paul’s willingness to stop calculating what would benefit
him and forego his personal preference, so he can imitate Christ and give to
the Philippians.
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