What does 'the first will be last and the last will be first' mean in the Bible?

The phrase "the first will be last and the last will be first" is one of the most intriguing and challenging statements made by Jesus in the New Testament. It appears in several places, notably in Matthew 19:30, Matthew 20:16, and Mark 10:31. To understand its full meaning and implications, we need to delve into the context in which Jesus spoke these words, explore the broader biblical narrative concerning the poor and marginalized, and reflect on how this teaching applies to our lives today.

Context and Parables

The phrase is often associated with Jesus' teachings on the Kingdom of Heaven. In Matthew 19:30, it follows the story of the rich young ruler who asked Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus told him to sell his possessions and give to the poor, but the young man went away sorrowful because he had great wealth. Jesus then remarked how difficult it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, leading to the disciples' astonishment and their question, "Who then can be saved?" Jesus replied that with God, all things are possible.

Immediately following this, Jesus tells the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16). In this parable, a landowner hires workers at different times of the day but pays them all the same wage, regardless of how long they worked. Those who worked the longest grumbled, feeling it was unfair. The landowner responded that he was not being unjust but generous, and he concluded with the statement, "So the last will be first, and the first will be last."

The Upside-Down Kingdom

Jesus' statement challenges our conventional understanding of fairness and merit. In the Kingdom of Heaven, God's grace and generosity overturn human expectations. Those who are considered "first" in societal terms—wealthy, powerful, privileged—may find themselves last in God's Kingdom if they rely on their status rather than God's grace. Conversely, those who are "last" by worldly standards—poor, marginalized, oppressed—may find themselves first if they trust in God's mercy and justice.

This theme of reversal is consistent throughout Jesus' ministry. In the Beatitudes, Jesus blesses the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, and those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (Matthew 5:3-6). He frequently associates with tax collectors, sinners, and outcasts, much to the dismay of the religious leaders. In Luke 4:18-19, Jesus proclaims His mission to bring good news to the poor, release to the captives, recovery of sight to the blind, and freedom to the oppressed.

The Great Reversal in Eschatology

Eschatology, the study of the end times, further illuminates this concept. The Book of Revelation depicts a final judgment where the values of God's Kingdom are fully realized. Revelation 21:1-4 describes a new heaven and a new earth where there is no more death, mourning, crying, or pain. The marginalized and oppressed are vindicated, and God's justice prevails.

This eschatological hope is rooted in the Old Testament prophets who envisioned a future where God's justice would be established. Isaiah 61:1-2, echoed by Jesus in Luke 4, speaks of good news to the oppressed, binding up the brokenhearted, and proclaiming liberty to captives. Amos 5:24 calls for justice to roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.

Practical Implications for Believers

For contemporary Christians, this teaching has profound implications. It calls us to re-evaluate our priorities and values. Are we seeking to be "first" in the eyes of the world, accumulating wealth, status, and power? Or are we aligning ourselves with God's Kingdom, which values humility, service, and sacrificial love?

Jesus' words challenge us to care for the poor and marginalized, not out of pity or obligation, but because they have a special place in God's heart. James 1:27 defines pure religion as caring for orphans and widows in their distress. Matthew 25:31-46 portrays the final judgment where Jesus identifies with the hungry, thirsty, stranger, naked, sick, and imprisoned, declaring that whatever we do for the least of these, we do for Him.

A Call to Humility and Service

"The first will be last and the last will be first" is a call to humility and service. It reminds us that in God's economy, greatness is measured not by self-promotion but by self-giving love. Jesus Himself exemplified this in washing His disciples' feet (John 13:1-17) and ultimately in laying down His life on the cross (Philippians 2:5-8).

This teaching also encourages those who feel overlooked, undervalued, or oppressed. It assures them that God sees their plight and will ultimately vindicate them. Their worth is not determined by societal standards but by God's unchanging love and justice.

Conclusion

In summary, "the first will be last and the last will be first" encapsulates the radical nature of God's Kingdom, where conventional hierarchies are overturned, and grace abounds. It calls us to live in a way that reflects God's values, prioritizing humility, service, and justice. It offers hope to the marginalized and a challenge to the privileged, inviting all to participate in the transformative work of God's Kingdom. As we seek to follow Jesus, may we embrace this upside-down Kingdom and embody its values in our lives.