How God’s Kingdom Flips Our Expectations
Introduction: Making Sense of “The Last Shall Be First”
You’ve probably heard the saying, “The last shall be first, and the first shall be last.” It comes from the Bible, Matthew 20:16. But what does it mean in simple terms? Why did Jesus say it, and how does it matter to us today? Let’s break it down in a way anyone can understand.
Where Does This Saying Come From?
Jesus said these words after telling a story called the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard. In the story, a landowner hires people to work at different times during the day—some early, some late. At the end of the day, everyone gets paid the same amount. The workers who started early are surprised and feel it’s unfair, but the landowner says he’s being generous and fair. Jesus finishes by saying, “So the last shall be first, and the first shall be last.”
What Is Jesus Really Saying?
- Turning Expectations Upside Down: In our world, we often think the winners, the richest, and the most powerful get the best rewards. Jesus flips that idea. In God’s kingdom, those who seem “last”—the humble, the overlooked, the poor—are just as important, maybe even more so, than those who seem “first.”
- Importance of Humility and Service: Jesus taught that greatness comes from serving others, not from being in charge or getting lots of attention. He wants us to be humble and caring, not focused on our own status or recognition.
- God’s Grace Is for Everyone: The story shows that God’s love isn’t something we earn by working harder or being “better.” Everyone gets God’s grace, no matter when they start believing or how much they’ve done. It’s a gift, not a prize for the best worker.
The Parable Made Simple
Imagine a bunch of people hired to work in a vineyard. Some start early, some come late. At the end of the day, everyone gets the same paycheck. The early workers feel cheated, but the boss says he’s just generous. The story isn’t just about money—it’s about how God treats people. God’s rewards aren’t based on how early you start or how much you do. They come from his kindness.
Why This Is Good News for Everyone
This saying brings hope, especially if you feel left out or like you don’t matter. Jesus tells us that God sees everyone, no matter where they stand in society. You don’t have to be famous, rich, or powerful to be important to God. Whether you’re picked first or last, you’re equally valuable in God’s eyes.
What Can We Learn?
“The last shall be first, and the first shall be last” reminds us that God’s ways are not like ours. It teaches us to value humility, kindness, and grace. It tells us that everyone is welcome and loved, no matter their history or status. So whether you feel overlooked or on top of the world, remember: in God’s kingdom, everyone gets a fair shot. That’s a reason for hope, and a call to treat others with kindness and humility.
Extra Insights: Why This Parable Matters
- When Jesus told this story, he was also saying that those who were invited to believe in God first (like the Jews) and those invited later (like the Gentiles—non-Jews) would have equal standing in God’s family.
- God doesn’t owe anyone anything, but he generously gives to all.
- Some people who start late in life or don’t seem very religious can end up being full of faith and goodness, thanks to God’s blessing.
- God rewards people not based on how long they’ve believed, but on his kindness and generosity.
- No one should wait to turn to God thinking they’ll have time later—now is always the right time.
- Sometimes, people feel jealous if others get more blessings, but God’s kindness to others isn’t unfair to us. We should celebrate when God is good to others.
- Let’s leave behind envy and pride, and be thankful for God’s mercy to everyone.
Minister A Francine Green, May 2026