The First Shall Be Last

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Mary1973

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In today’s gospel reading, Jesus says “Thus the last shall be first and the first shall be last”. (Matthew 20:16)

One of my choir sisters wonders if the first are the Jewish people. She said they were the first to hear the word of God but we are still waiting for them to accept Jesus.

Any thoughts?
 
Possibly-- who can know the mind of God?

The part of the verse that should matter to us today is the simpler meaning: if we seek more glory in the kingdom of God, we must become more humble in the world of man.
 
Mary1973 said:
In today’s gospel reading, Jesus says “Thus the last shall be first and the first shall be last”. (Matthew 20:16)

One of my choir sisters wonders if the first are the Jewish people. She said they were the first to hear the word of God but we are still waiting for them to accept Jesus.

Any thoughts?
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Yes, I believe this passage has many meanings and this one of them. The Jewish people were the first to be given God’s word, and yet as part of God’s plan, they (except for a small remnant) will not understand and accept the gospel until after the full allotment of gentiles comes in (Romans 11). This is consistent with Zechariah where in the end times the Jewish people will mourn for the one whom they have pierced and call on the name of the Lord (praise God).

I also think this phrase, when used in the parable of the vinyard and coupled with the “don’t envy message” is telling us that God’s love is boundless and he loves us all the same, those whom come to him early in our life and those who come to him late. The thief on the cross is with Christ in paradise, the same as someone who knew Christ their entire earthly life.

Blessings,

Brian
 
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