"The First Shall Be Last"
“But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first” (v.30).
This proverbial saying, which Christ uses more than once (Matthew 20:16; Luke 13:30), conveys a warning that man's view of himself and others is liable to error and it must not be thought that those who are first in privilege are therefore highest in God's favor.
For many that are first in, profession, first in the opinion of others, first in their own opinion and confidence, at the “day of judgment” will be found to be last. Conversely, those who are least in, profession, least in opinion and status of others, will be found first, and highest in His favor.
The teaching at this time may have been directed to the Scribes and Pharisees, who were in the chief place, and highest esteem, in the Jewish church, and yet least in the kingdom of heaven. On the other hand, the publicans and sinners, who were in the lowest class, and in least esteem, went first into it.
This warning still applies today. We all need to check our motivations for what we do in His service, as there will be many surprises in heaven.
The Truth
“But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all.” (Mark 10:42-44)
