What did Jesus mean by "first will be last"?

Introduction

The phrase “the first will be last, and the last will be first” appears on multiple occasions throughout the Gospels. It points to a profound principle about humility, God’s gracious favor, and the order of His Kingdom—an order that often runs counter to human expectations. This entry examines what Jesus meant by these words, taking into account both the scriptural and historical contexts that illuminate their meaning.

Key Scriptural References

1. Matthew 19:30: “But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.”

2. Matthew 20:16: “So the last will be first, and the first last.”

3. Mark 10:31: “But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”

4. Luke 13:30: “And indeed some who are last will be first, and some who are first will be last.”

These passages appear in contexts dealing with discipleship, rewards in God’s Kingdom, and the surprising ways God brings grace to those society deems unimportant. Examining them collectively reveals Jesus’ emphasis on humility, service, and a willingness to relinquish worldly status.

Historical and Cultural Context

In first-century Judea, status, honor, and social stratification were of paramount concern. People who held religious or political power were typically esteemed as “first” in line for recognition. Common laborers, the poor, or foreigners were often seen as “last” in society’s eyes.

By reversing these roles, Jesus challenged a system that equated proximity to power with closeness to God. His teaching insisted that divine favor does not rest on status but on a heart aligned with God’s will, love, and humility. This reversal would have been startling in a culture shaped by strict hierarchies and respect for social rank.

Context of Matthew 19 and 20

In Matthew 19, the phrase occurs right after the encounter with the rich young man (Matthew 19:16–26). Jesus highlights how wealth and social standing do not automatically secure someone a place in His Kingdom. Instead, He teaches that genuine surrender to God is key, illustrating that even those considered “first” on earth can miss out on God’s blessing if they put their trust in worldly measures.

Matthew 20 follows with the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20:1–15). The laborers hired last receive the same wage as those hired first. This perplexing turn demonstrates God’s freedom to bestow grace and blessings upon whomever He chooses, regardless of how long or rigorously someone has been considered “prominent” or “worthy” in human eyes. Jesus then restates, “So the last will be first, and the first last” (Matthew 20:16), showing that God’s generosity cannot be confined by human concepts of fairness.

Other Gospel Occurrences: Mark 10 and Luke 13

In Mark 10, Jesus’ statement follows a discussion about forsaking all to follow Him. He explains that those who relinquish worldly attachments will ultimately find greater blessings in God’s Kingdom. Similarly, Luke 13:30 occurs in the context of who will enter the Kingdom of God, implying that some who assume they are on the inside (the “first”) may in fact be left out, while those who are considered outcasts or outsiders (“last”) will be welcomed.

These passages reinforce the principle that one’s standing before God depends not on external appearances but on authentic devotion.

Theological Significance

1. Humility and Servanthood: Jesus elevates humility as a chief virtue (cf. Matthew 23:11–12). Those who exalt themselves will be humbled, while those who humble themselves will be exalted. This reversal underscores the necessity of a servant’s heart.

2. God’s Sovereignty in Bestowing Grace: The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard displays God’s right and freedom to grant His favor. What looks unfair from a human viewpoint is perfectly just from God’s divine, omniscient perspective.

3. Dependence on God, Not Human Merit: In teaching that “the first will be last,” Jesus strips away reliance on rank, tradition, or personal achievements. True righteousness stems from God’s grace and a person’s sincere faith, rather than their accolades.

4. Challenge to Religious Elitism: People in Jesus’ day assumed that religious experts and the socially elite were always nearest to God. Jesus instead demonstrated that repentance, faith, and obedience to God’s commands, rather than titles, guarantee a place of honor in the Kingdom.

Examples in Jesus’ Ministry

• Children as Examples of True Greatness: In Matthew 18:1–4, Jesus points to children as a model for the humility required, underscoring that childlike openness is valued even more than esteemed titles or ranks.

• Healing and Ministry to the Marginalized: Jesus frequently ministered to individuals on the outskirts of Jewish society—tax collectors, lepers, those considered sinners. By granting them blessings that religious leaders assumed belonged exclusively to the “righteous,” He exemplified this “first-last” reversal.

Practical Implications

1. Attitude Toward Service: Believers are encouraged to serve rather than to seek prominence. When positions of influence do come, they must be handled with an attitude of servanthood rather than elitism.

2. Reevaluating Success and Ambition: The teaching invites a deeper look at our definitions of success. God’s economy values a contrite heart, compassion, and faithfulness—attributes that often run contrary to the world’s emphasis on rank and competition.

3. Examination of Personal Motives: Individuals are invited to ask whether their pursuits are rooted in love of God and neighbor, or in the desire to be recognized. Scripture consistently upholds a love-centered motivation far above performance or appearances.

Connection to Understanding Salvation

In pointing out that “the first will be last,” Jesus emphasizes that salvation is founded on God’s work and offered by grace, not attained by one’s achievements or status. This concept is reflected in Ephesians 2:8–9, which teaches that salvation is a gift of grace through faith, “and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.”

A central aspect of Jesus’ ministry is challenging religious leaders who prided themselves on rule-keeping but neglected greater matters of the heart. This highlights that God’s invitation to eternal life is not restricted to those who appear righteous or socially elevated. Instead, it is extended to all who come to Him in humility and faith.

Conclusion

When Jesus said, “the first will be last, and the last will be first,” He declared a transformative truth about God’s Kingdom that runs counter to worldly ideas of superiority. This principle challenges every listener to evaluate the posture of their heart: Do they measure “greatness” by humility, by love, and by submission to God’s will, or by worldly rank and pride?

In every instance where Jesus speaks these words, it becomes evident that those who trust in their own accomplishments risk missing the gift of God’s grace, while those who approach God with a humble heart—no matter their standing—will find themselves ushered into His abundant favor. This reversal underscores the gracious nature of salvation and the heart of servanthood that God desires in each life.