Jesus said, “So the last will be first, and the first will be last” (Matthew 20:16). This reminds us that God does not see people the way the world sees them. The world often honors the strongest, richest, loudest, or most important-looking people. But God looks at the heart.
In Matthew 20:1-16, Jesus told a story about workers in a vineyard. Some worked all day, and some came near the end of the day. Yet the owner was generous and paid them the same. The lesson is simple: God’s grace is not based on human pride, position, or how we compare ourselves to others. God is generous because He is good.
Jesus also taught that the way to be great in God’s Kingdom is to serve. Mark 9:35 says, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.” This means we should not chase attention, titles, or praise. Instead, we should love people, help people, and stay humble before God.
Many people who feel forgotten, overlooked, or pushed aside are not forgotten by God. Luke 13:30 says, “Indeed there are those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last.” God sees the faithful person who keeps praying, keeps serving, keeps loving, and keeps trusting Him even when no one claps for them.
The message is not that we should try to make ourselves first. The message is that we should trust God with our place, our timing, and our reward. Matthew 19:30 says, “But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.” In God’s Kingdom, humility matters more than status, faithfulness matters more than fame, and grace matters more than human ranking.
So keep serving. Keep believing. Keep walking with Jesus. Even if people do not notice you, God does. And when God lifts someone up, no one can stop it.
Minister A Francine Green, September 2026