Movatterモバイル変換

Matthew 3:9,10
And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham toour father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham…

Matthew 8:11,12
And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven…

Matthew 19:30
But manythat are first shall be last; and the lastshall be first.

some who are last will be first,
This part of the verse reflects a reversal of expectations, a common theme in Jesus' teachings. It challenges societal norms and human perceptions of status and success. In the context of the Kingdom of God, those who are humble, marginalized, or considered insignificant by worldly standards may be elevated. This echoes the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12), where Jesus blesses the poor in spirit and those who are persecuted. It also connects to the parable of the workers in the vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16), where those hired last receive the same reward as those hired first, illustrating God's grace and generosity.

and some who are first will be last.
This phrase serves as a warning to those who rely on their status, wealth, or self-righteousness. It reflects the upside-down nature of God's Kingdom, where human pride and self-exaltation are humbled. This concept is seen in the story of the rich young ruler (Luke 18:18-30), who struggles to enter the Kingdom because of his attachment to wealth. It also parallels the Pharisees' attitudes, who often saw themselves as spiritually superior (Luke 18:9-14). The phrase underscores the need for repentance and humility, aligning with the teachings of John the Baptist (Luke 3:7-14) and the prophetic call for justice and humility (Micah 6:8).

Jesus uses this phrase to signal a sure, authoritative statement. Similar expressions appear when He prefaces words that cannot fail (Luke 21:3, “Truly I tell you…”). His “indeed” reminds us that the coming reversal of positions is not theoretical; it is guaranteed. We can trust this certainty because “the word of the Lord stands forever” (1 Peter 1:25).

• These are people the world or the religious establishment ranks low—outsiders, sinners, the humble, the unnoticed.

• Examples:

– The penitent tax collector who “stood at a distance” yet went home justified (Luke 18:13-14).

– The beggar Lazarus, covered with sores, lying at the rich man’s gate (Luke 16:19-22).

– Gentiles and children whom Jesus welcomed while leaders frowned (Matthew 21:31-32; 19:14).

• God delights in lifting up those who know they are needy: “He has filled the hungry with good things, but has sent the rich away empty” (Luke 1:53).

• Future elevation is promised. The last become heirs of the kingdom, seated with Christ (Ephesians 2:6).

• Faith, not status, secures this promotion: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3).

• Rewards include:

– Full fellowship with the Lord (John 14:3).

– Eternal inheritance kept in heaven (1 Peter 1:4).

– Commendation, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).

• Those regarded as important now—powerful, wealthy, self-righteous.

• Biblical portraits:

– Religious leaders confident in pedigree yet rejecting Christ (John 5:39-40).

– The rich young ruler who walked away sorrowful (Luke 18:18-23).

– The complacent church at Laodicea that said, “I am rich,” though it was wretched and blind (Revelation 3:17).

• Earthly prominence can blind hearts: “What is highly esteemed among men is detestable in God’s sight” (Luke 16:15).

• Final demotion awaits the proud. “Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled” (Luke 18:14).

• Consequences include:

– Shut doors: “I do not know you or where you are from” (Luke 13:25).

– Loss of reward: works burned though the soul is saved “yet so as through fire” (1 Corinthians 3:15).

– Eternal separation for those never born again (Matthew 7:22-23).

• God’s judgment is just: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6).

Luke 13:30 assures a coming reversal based on God’s righteous evaluation, not human rankings. The humble, repentant, and overlooked who trust Christ will be lifted up; the self-important who rely on status or works will be brought low. Therefore, cling to Christ in humility, serve faithfully where you are, and rest in His promise that He will set all things right.