The Last Shall Be First: Exploring the Paradoxical Teachings of Jesus

The Last Shall Be First: Exploring the Paradoxical Teachings of Jesus

We live in a world that values firsts. The first to reach the peak of a mountain. The first to cross the finish line at the Olympics. The first to release a much-anticipated product. But what if our preoccupation with being first contradicts one of the most profound teachings of Jesus — that the last shall be first?

In this article, we delve into Jesus' paradoxical teachings, specifically his radical inversion of societal norms. We explore how these teachings invite us to reconsider our priorities and redirect our pursuits.

The First Shall be Last: A Great Inversion

Scripture furnishes us with various instances where Jesus tells his disciples, "Many who are first will be last, and the last first" (Mark 10:31, New International Version). In Matthew's Gospel, Jesus delivers a similar line after narrating the parable of the workers in the vineyard, "So the last will be first, and the first will be last" (Matthew 20:16, New International Version).

But what does Jesus mean by this? Is this mere hyperbole, a way to smoothen the harsh reality of life? Or is it something more profound, a coded message intended to overturn the established order of things?

In essence, Jesus is saying that those who elevate themselves in this life, those who are considered first by worldly standards — wealth, power, fame — may find themselves last in the Kingdom of Heaven. On the other hand, those who live humbly, those who are considered last by worldly standards — the poor, the meek, the marginalized — will be exalted in the Kingdom of God.

Unpacking the Paradox

On its own, the saying is indeed paradoxical. It contradicts social norms, where the first are celebrated and the last are often forgotten or overlooked. But, when applied the lens of Jesus' teachings and actions, the paradox dissolves into profound wisdom.

Jesus consistently sided with the underdogs of society. He embraced tax collectors and sinners, healed lepers and the blind, defended the adulterous woman from stoning, and welcomed children when his disciples tried to shoo them away. Moreover, Jesus himself, though being in the form of God, "did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant" (Philippians 2:6-7, New International Version).

The last-being-first teaching is not an isolated notion but lies at the heart of Jesus' message — the ushering of a new order characterized by love, justice, and mercy. More than a mere command, it serves as a divine promise that God will overturn the unjust structures of the world and uplift those forgotten or marginalized by society.

The Implications of the Teaching

This paradoxical teaching of Jesus holds several implications for our lives:

1.

Grace over Achievement:

This suggests that the Kingdom of Heaven operates on grace and not human achievement. Regardless of the hour we come to believe and act in faith — be it the first or the eleventh — we receive the same grace (Matthew 20:1-16).

2.

Humility over Pride:

Those who boast about their holiness, believe they're superior to others, or judge the spirituality of others based on worldly standards may find themselves last in the Kingdom (Luke 18:9-14).

3.

Servanthood over Leadership:

Those who aspire to lead must first learn to serve (Mark 9:35). Jesus himself demonstrated this through his life and particularly on the cross.

Living out the Paradox

Understood properly, Jesus' teachings can radically regenerate our lives. Applying the “last shall be first” principle goes beyond tweaking our behaviors; it's about transforming our perspectives and values.

First, we must develop a heart that views every person as images of God deserving dignity, respect, and love, whether they are behind or ahead in life according to society's yardsticks. Poverty, brokenness, sinfulness — these are not grounds for exclusion from God's love or our compassion.

Next, rather than jostling for the highest positions, we are to willingly take the lowest seat. We lead by serving (Luke 22:26) and achieve greatness by being the least (Matthew 18:4). In essence, true triumph is realized through humility, servanthood, and self-sacrifice.

Lastly, we are to surrender our achievements to God—in essence, desiring God's praise more than human applause. Our pursuit should be to hear God’s affirming words, "Well done, good and faithful servant!" (Matthew 25:21, New International Version) rather than seeking validation from worldly successes.

Conclusion

Jesus' teaching that "the last will be first, and the first will be last" calls us to a radical personal and social transformation. It not only shakes up our self-oriented ambitions but also challenges societal systems that perpetuate inequality and injustice.

This paradoxical teaching beckons us to a life where true greatness comes not from being first, but from putting others first; not from accumulating power, but from empowering others; and not from elevating ourselves, but from lifting up the least.

Indeed, Jesus' last-will-be-first principle presents a worldview diametrically opposed to the world's. It is a path less travelled, often appearing upside-down and inside-out. But, those willing to follow this path and live out this paradox will discover a life of surprising fulfillment, breathtaking love, and unparalleled joy—the true Kingdom-centered life Christ calls us to.