Click here to read the full article at RENEW.org: https://renew.org/the-last-will-be-first-and-the-first-will-be-last/ 

This an audio version of a written Article from RENEW.org

The week of Jesus’ crucifixion, beginning with his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, his parables and teaching grew increasingly sharp in his condemnation of the religious leaders. He also continued to reinforce the need for disciples of Jesus to guard against entitlement and pursue humility; after all, these are disciples of a king who would willingly lay down his innocent life.

For example, Jesus’ parable of the workers in the vineyard dispelled any sense of entitlement for his kingdom workers. According to the parable, those whom a master hired to work at the beginning of the day received the same wages as those he hired at the day’s end. When the first group of workers complained about getting the same compensation as those who worked fewer hours, the master reminded them they were receiving the agreed-upon wage.

“Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous? So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” (Matthew 20:15-16, NIV)

God doesn’t owe a greater reward to those who follow him longer. God doesn’t owe a greater reward to those whose ministry seems great by our standards. God doesn’t owe anyone anything, and all that he gives is a testament only to his grace and kindness—not to the worthiness of the recipient. Further, his standards of greatness don’t necessarily look like ours.

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