As we have seen in our Tell me the story of Jesus Bible study journey, Jesus traveled around a lot. The last story that we read about forgiveness took place in Galilee, and when He left there, He went to Judea beyond the river Jordan. Many people followed Him and He Well, well, well, the Pharisees are back!
They came to tempt Jesus and asked, Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason? Jesus answered, Haven't you read, in the beginning, God made male and female, and said, For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother, and will cleave to his wife: and they two will be one flesh? Then they are no longer two, but one flesh. What God has joined together, let not man separate.
These Religious leaders debated with Jesus and asked, then why did Moses command to give a writing of divorcement and send her away? Jesus answered, Because of the callous nature of your heart, Moses wrote this ruling. (Because the people changed the natural order of marriage) But from the beginning it was not so. And I say to you, whoever sends his wife away, unless it was for fornication, and marries another, commits adultery, and whoever marries a woman who has been sent away commits adultery.
Jesus also said:
All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given.
Jesus is saying that all laws do not apply to all situations.
Divorce is a very delicate matter for those Christians who are considering divorce or have divorced and yet love the Lord. My heart goes out to you and your family. Now before you go sentencing yourself as being an adulterer or and adulteress, let's look at something. What if a marriage was not meant to be from the get go? What if it was not holy in the eyes of the Lord? Many families have been torn asunder by the question of the heart of divorce, despite whether the one wishing to depart chose to do so, or stayed in misery due to obligation and/or fear.
The First Will Be Last and the Last Will Be First Warning to Those Who Judge Others
Let's seek the Truth in scripture. It reveals in 1
Corinthians 7:12-17 ... That if a woman has a husband who is
not a believer, and the man wants her to stay, let her not leave him
because the husband is sanctified by the wife's belief.
If this applies to you, check out our Unequally
Yoked Study.
Remember that even though this is the first will be last and the last will be first study and even though this particular Scripture is not the actual forthcoming first will be last and the last will be first Scripture, it does apply to other situations that Christians encounter, in that most who deem themselves as being first (those who will be last) are usually haughty Christians and Christian leaders who absolutely thrive on judging others.
Back to the first will be last and the last will be first path to peace ... This judgment is used because it is written that when two marry, they become one. This sanctification includes your children. (This statement was made by Paul. In Verse 12 he shares that this is his opinion and not the Lord's command.) Many Religious leaders like to use this "ruling" to keep women in abusive relationships only to have the relationship end in bitterness and even death ... The Word also says that what God brought together, let no man put asunder. That means if they were married in God's eyes.
However, that brings up the question of God honoring every marriage license the local leaders are willing to make a little money on. In particular in today's society where most go from 'hello' to 'I do' before establishing a foundation in friendship. Some marry out of con-venience, lust, trying to get away from home, etc. ... The obvious result is division by divorce as it was not meant be in the first place. Is it not God's will to have them apart as they were not meant to be married and just made a poor choice?
Is God then divided against Himself because He wants Love to be forever? God forbid. It is mankind's use of marriage that has brought on the divisions and variations of judgment. True marriage is the union of two minds, hearts and souls and they become one in Love. Whether God deems a specific marriage real becomes the question to ponder.
The First Will Be Last and The Last Will Be First Point of Interest ... This is not a passport to get out of a marriage so you can go and be with a new man or woman you encountered by the wicked means of the enemy of you soul, God Forbid ... But rather the Truth for those who it applies to. If you were married in Love and in God's eyes and you have become worldly and just want a way out so you can go and follow the trends of today like cattle to the slaughter, this is not applicable. If the shoe fits ... Slap that rascal on Cinderella. If it does not, it is not wise to try to apply it as the results will not be the same. He who hath wisdom, hear this Truth.
All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom
it is given.
In other words ... All laws do not apply to all situations. this is the first will be last and the last will be first Bible danger for those who deem themselves higher than they ought to. The Truth my friend is that only the Lord knows the Truth of your situation. Obviously, He wants what is best for you, so you must find out from Him what it is that you are to do. Religious leaders, friends, family, Paul and I can share our opinions but only God can discern the Truth of this particular matter and guide you down the right path. Ask Him to reveal the Truth to you. Ask Him to show you His Will. Ask in Jesus' name. Pray without ceasing. Trust in Him.
If you have already divorced, do not sit around and judge yourself or let others judge ya ... That is God's job and He believes in mercy, forgiveness and Grace. What can your worry and doubt do but cause problems for you? Let go and let God. Now, let's get back to the First Will Be Last The Last Will Be First Bible story.
At that time there were little children brought to Jesus so that He might put His hands on them and bless them, but the disciples turned them away. When Jesus saw it, He was upset and He said, Allow the little children and don't forbid them to come to me, for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven. He took them up in His arms, put His hands on them and blessed them.
When Jesus left that place, a man came running and kneeled at His feet and asked, Good Master, what can I do to inherit eternal life? Jesus answered, Why do you call me good? There is none good but One, and that's God. If you wish for eternal life, keep the commandments. The man said, Master, I've kept the commandments since I was a child. Jesus looked at him with love and said, You're missing one thing. If you wish to be complete, go and sell all that you have and give it to the poor and you'll have treasure in Heaven, then come and follow me.
The man grew sad at what Jesus said, because he was rich. Jesus looked at His disciples and said, I tell you honestly, with what difficulty will those who have riches enter into the Kingdom of God. The disciples were surprised at what He said, and He added, It's easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of God. Still surprised, the disciples said to one another, Who then, can be saved? Jesus answered, With men it's impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.
Then Peter said, We've left everything and followed you, what will we have? Jesus said, I assure you, those who have followed me, in the time when the Son of man will sit on the throne of His glory, you'll also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone that has forsaken houses, brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers, wives, children or lands, for my name's sake, will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit everlasting life.
But many that are first will be last; and the last will be first.
Then Jesus told this parable about what He was referring to:
Matthew 20:1-16
20 For the Kingdom of Heaven is like unto a man that is an
householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers
into his vineyard.
2 And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a
day, he sent them into his vineyard.
3 And he went out about the third hour, and saw others
standing idle in the marketplace,
4 And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and
whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way.
5 Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and
did likewise.
6 And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found
others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the
day idle?
7 They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He
saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is
right, that shall ye receive.
8 So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith
unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire,
beginning from the last unto the first.
9 And when they came that were hired about the eleventh
hour, they received every man a penny.
10 But when the first came, they supposed that they should
have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny.
11 And when they had received it, they murmured against
the goodman of the house,
12 Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou
hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of
the day.
13 But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do
thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny?
14 Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto
this last, even as unto thee.
15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine
own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?
16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: for
many be called, but few chosen.
Wow ... One could not make any more clear than that to try and save people from themselves. The First Will Be Last The Last Will Be First parable is such a great lesson. There are many people who go through their entire lives with the good fortune of being Christian. Many from childhood, were raised as Christians and others, early in life were adopted into God's family.
There are also many who don't find Jesus until they are older, and some, don't seek Him until the very last hour. If you're one who has followed the Christian path all your life, this parable teaches not to be jealous of those lost sheep who were not found until the last hour. Be joyous for them. Praise His generosity. God is good. He can do whatever He wants with His children. Be thankful for your place. The first Will be last and the last Will be first message from Jesus is a simply a warning for those who choose the worldly path as to become rich and/or to seek fame by ignoring the Lord's Words of warning.
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The First Will Be Last And The Last Will Be First Resources
Billy Graham Evangelistic Association ... What did Jesus mean when He said the last would become first? In Matthew, for example, He told His disciples that “many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first” (Matthew 19:30).
Bible Hub ... Matthew 20:16 So the last shall be first. This, then, is the great lesson of the parable, and it answers at once the question whether we are to see in it the doctrine.
Walkintruth.net ... Many Who Are Last Will Be First - Here the meaning seems to be that some of the first Jews who first heard the Gospel will not be saved, who were of first importance, who knew of Jesus first.
Enduring Word ... Enduring Word Bible Commentary Matthew Chapter 20 - Through this parable Jesus assured Peter and the disciples that they will be rewarded – but the principle of many who are first will be last and the last first ...
Got Questions ... What did Jesus mean when He said the first will be last and the last will be first? Jesus ends the parable with the statement, “The last will be first, and the first last” (Matthew 20:16). The most direct interpretation, based on the content of the parable, is that all believers, no matter how long or how hard they work during this lifetime, will receive the same basic reward: eternal life.
Holy Spirit ... This is one of the most awesome gifts you will ever receive or share. The First Will Be Last And The Last Will Be First is a very significant Scripture and should be acted upon. The Holy Spirit can show you the Spiritual meaning of, first will be last - last will be first.
Knowing Jesus ... 'Last Will Be First' in the Bible - Matthew 19:30 - But many who are first [in this world] will be last [in the world to come]; and the last, first.
NeverThirsty ... What is the meaning of last shall be first and the first, last? The phrase “first will be last and the last, first” can be found in four major passages of the Bible: Matthew 19:30; 20:16; Mark 10:31 and Luke 13:30.
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