You May Never Know That Jesus Is all You Need, Until Jesus Is All You Have
BRD REFLECTION 2026
Matthew 20:1-16 and Psalm 69:13-18 (NIV)
(Grace Chew from Small Group Ministry)
READ:
Matthew 20:15 (NIV) “Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?”
Psalm 69:16–18 (NIV) “Answer me, Lord, out of the goodness of your love; in your great mercy turn to me. Do not hide your face from your servant; answer me quickly, for I am in trouble. Come near and rescue me; deliver me because of my foes.”
OBSERVE:
This parable of the vineyard workers illustrates God’s grace, goodness, and mercy, which are based on His generosity rather than on human merit or length of service. This is a relief for someone who (i) came to Christ only in her early 30s and (ii) often feels she has fallen short of God’s expectations. God has compassion for everyone—the landowner went out looking for workers several times throughout the day. Now in my 40s, and having experienced several rounds of company restructuring, I can say that the lack of or uncertainty about purposeful work is as difficult, albeit in a different sense, as actual work. But we can rely on God for His grace in all circumstances. How kind He is to still provide for and reward those who seemingly did little or nothing at all. To borrow a quote from Corrie ten Boom, “You may never know that Jesus is all you need until Jesus is all you have.” In our deepest troubles, whether mental or physical, we cannot help but cry out, “Answer me, Lord, out of the goodness of your love; in your great mercy turn to me. Do not hide your face from your servant; answer me quickly, for I am in trouble…”
APPLY:
The passages today are a good reminder (i) for me to turn to God in whatever circumstances I am in, and (ii) that all of us have battles, whether visible or not, that we are navigating in life. This also reminds us to show compassion whenever and wherever possible.
DO:
Feeling rather burned out recently, I have checked myself into a silent retreat. As I encounter Jesus, I know that I can rely on His love and generosity rather than on my human merit or length of service.
PRAY:
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for Your mercies, which are new every day. I pray that You will continue to make Yourself known personally to all my brothers and sisters in Christ, allowing them to know, truly and deeply, the assurance of Your presence and love in whatever circumstances they are in. Amen.
