Pilot Knob Lutheran Church Communique
September 30, 2026
Matthew 20:1-15
We can’t read the gospels without coming across the Pharisees. The Pharisees began as a religious group that stood opposed to pagan Greek culture and anything that violated God’s moral, and civil codes and ceremonial law. Pharisee means “separated ones.” That is not a bad thing. We too must avoid practicing what God condemns and obey His moral and civil principles.
However, in their strict observance of the Law of Moses they constructed some 610 laws to prevent one from violating the Ten Commandments. They also, over time laid the burden of religious traditions which were not from God, on the backs of the Jews making practicing one’s religion a true burden.
Subsequently, at least by the first century the Pharisees were noted for observing the Law outwardly but not inwardly. Their heart was far from loving and worshiping God. All this led to a spiritually elite, or, a ‘holier than thou’ attitude believing they were the apple of God’s eye.
The parable of the vineyard comes directly against the attitude of religious snobbery. God’s grace extends to anyone who repents and truly surrenders their life to Jesus Christ through faith; even minutes before dying. His grace is extremely generous to all who truly believe. Mt. 5:20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven. Our obedience must surpass outward obedience and must flow from a heart of love for God; our obedience must come from what God does in us, not what we can do by ourselves; be God-centered, not self-centered; and be based on reverence for God, not approval from people, going beyond keeping the law to living the principles behind the law.
Pr. Bob Snitzer
By the Way:
Today 4:30 Confirmation.
Sunday 4, 9:00 Morning worship. Sermon: A Vineyard Turned Sour
10:15 Sunday school for everyone.
Past communiques and sermons can be read and heard on our website: www.pilotknob.org and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PilotKnobLutheran
Our service also airs on: KGLO 1300 AM at 10:00 AM, and KIOW 107.3 FM at 7:00 AM. Spread the word.
Isaiah 55:10-11 As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
