Not so long ago we tried to explain to our children about what Jesus said, “The first shall be last and the last shall be first.” We decided to start rewarding proper behaviour. So we would give out a special treat and if someone showed a little self restraint and selflessness in letting others go first, they would actually get to go first. The children very quicly cottoned on and all started wanting to go last – so that in reality they could go first.
In other words – they were still wanting to be first, but were getting it by trying to be last.
When Jesus said this he was not talking about actual places in a line, but about an attitude of the heart. Those who are willing to serve and love and give themselves up for others by putting others first, will be rewarded and honoured in Heaven. On the other hand, those who only think of themselves “first” will find that Heaven is not forthcoming with blessing for them.
So no matter if you are lining up first or last – if you are “thinking of yourself first” then God will make sure you are last. So we may as well say, that if this is the case, the First shall be Last, and the Last shall be Last too.
