| | Bible Question: Does Matthew 19:30 mean that Christians who are first in this life will be last in the kingdom and Christians who are last in this life will be first in the kingdom?
Bible Answer: The phrase "first will be last and the last, first" can be found in three major passages of the Bible: Matt. 19:30, Mark 10:31 and Luke 13:30. Both Matt. 19:30 and Mark 10;31 are about the same parable. There are only two different events.
Vineyard The first time the phrase "first will be last and the last will be first" occurs in scripture is in Matt. 19:29-30. It introduces a parable which begins and ends with this phrase. Jesus had just told the disciples that a person could not buy his/her way into heaven (Matt. 19:23-26). The Jews believed that wealthy people could gain God's favor, righteousness, by giving money (alms). This was a surprise to Peter. Here is Peter's response.
| | Then Peter answered and said to Him, “Behold, we have left everything and followed You; what then will there be for us?” (NASB) Matt. 20:15-16 |
Peter is in essence asking, "Then how can I get if even the wealthy cannot?" So Jesus explains using a parable about a vineyard owner who hires some laborers in the morning to work his vineyard. Throughout the day he continues hiring others to work the vineyard. Finally, he repeats the statement "first will last and the last will be first" as an explanation.
| | And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms for My name's sake, will receive many times as much, and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last; and the last, first. (NASB) Matt. 19:29-30
Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with what is my own? Or is your eye envious because I am generous?' So the last shall be first, and the first last. (NASB) Matt. 20:15-16 |
In the context of the passage, the phrase "first will be last and the last will be first" does not mean one person gains more honor than another. It means there is no advantage, status, or honor in God's kingdom. | |
