Jesus Christ spoke these words. "The first will be last and the last will be first". What does this mean to

Question

you and me today. I have a pretty good idea of its meaning but am looking to see if you out there can give me some additional input into this saying.><>

Answer 1

I think that there can be several meaning regarding these statement:

1. It can speak of HUMILITY, being humble and not being self-centered or boastful, according to 1 Peter 5:6 "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time."

2. It can speak of the FAITH of a christian, there are christians who served the Lord for a very long time but came a time that he/she backslide or became lukewarmed (lost his love for the Lord/ turn away from the Lord) this is the statement :"the first will be the last" and "the last will be the first", i think these are christians who eventhough just recentlly accepted the Lord continue to be on fire for the Lord & committed his life to HIM). Hebrews 11:6 "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him".

Answer 2

It goes along with the idea of the meek inheriting the earth. Those who strive for material gain and power in this life have already received most of their rewards. Those who have devoted their lives to others, like Mother Teresa etc, have all their reward in heaven. Of course, God knows your secret thoughts so if you give up material possessions and do good for others out of selfishness in order to gain heavenly rewards, you won't get them. God rewards an unselfish giver. That is why the 2 greatest "laws" that Jesus spoke of are Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, and strength and love your neighbor as yourself. Pretty powerful stuff.

Answer 3

I think one has to take the whole passage Matt 19 v28-30 to understand it. Jesus speaking prophetically says that the Jews to whom God first revealed Himself will reject Him (Jesus) but those who come after (believers in Jesus) will receive eternal life and rewards. Sort of similar in meaning to the passage about John the Baptist that he was the greatest man up until that time but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. Matt 11:11

Answer 4

If you read this passage in the tenth chap of Mark you will discover that He is talking about servanthood. The coversation started with James and John asking to sit on the right and left side of Jesus wanting to be above all others, but Jesus reminded them that the Kingdom of Heaven didnt work on the same principle as the world. He said in essentially if you want to be great in Heaven you must humble yourself and be as a servant here on earth. Remeber, Jesus, who in essence is God, didnot consider that as something to be held on to but instead humbled himself and became a servant to all mankind by submitting Himself to take the punishment of the whole world in the form of death on the cross. Because He was willing to do this He has been exalted to the highest postition and to Him every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that He is Lord of all

Answer 5

I've often wondered about that quotation. Biblically, I believe it means that those who have died in Christ, that is believers, most recently will be bodily resurrected on the Day of the Dead most coming up from the grave before before those of past ages. I have yet another interpretation of my own: Many who put themselves out for others, help them, are often putting themselves last, behind those they help; therefore they are last and go first in their reward in God's eyes. Those who have put themselves first instead of helping others will be last.

Answer 6

I think that it is a way to let people know that material items or wealth will not put you in front of the line before the Lord. Things should not be important to us. The more we give away to help others the more rewards we will recieve.

Answer 7

It means that, if you are rewarded here in life, then you should not expect a reward in heaven...because you have already been rewarded for your deeds on earth. If you do good here, and get no credit or reward for it, then your reward will be in heaven.

It also says this in the Bible. The meaning is the same.

Answer 8

Here's my take: I think it means that the saints who will receive the greatest rewards in heaven will not be the prominent Christians in this life. The "first" in heaven will be people most of us have never heard of. People who were faithful to God, but didn't receive much recognition in this life.

Answer 9

it means everyone who's been a cut behind in life will finally get a chance to get ahead, those who have suffered to some extent will have a place in heaven, those who have lived nothing but luxury and have sinned might not.

it was used to inspire hope

Answer 10

basically, it's trying to be cryptic and mysterious so that it looks like it has heavy meaning. It's just nonsense. Especially when perceive in a reality that has no linear time.