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Thursday, 19 January 2012

Matthew 19:30-20:1 The First and the Last

Sometimes it is useful to ignore chapter and verse numbers in the Bible. They were not there originally, and were only added later as a useful way of referencing various parts. This continues to be very useful, but sometimes they put false divisions in our mind as we read the Scriptures. At the end of chapter 19 Jesus has just told them that many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first. The parable of the vineyard workers starts with "For the kingdom of God ...", and finishes with "so the last will be first and the first will be last". So one of the key purposes of the parable is to explain what Jesus meant when He talks about the first being last, and the last first.

If we look at the world today we see a certain order. We see some people with authority, some who seem to be doing well for themselves. Conversely we see some who are put upon, some who seem to be downtrodden. When the Kingdom of God establishes itself and God's order is established things may look very different, for God judges by different standards than the world, and has a different value system.

We should note also that at the end of chapter 19 Jesus "many" not "all". Not everyone who is rich or powerful is in for it when God's kingdom comes. There are some who have earned their wealth or power by righteous means and who use it well. Equally not everyone who is poor will be rewarded. There are some who are poor who are just as evil as the arrogant rich. The point is that we do not judge by wealth or power, but by obedience to and trust in God.

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