29And people will come from all over the world—from east and west, north and south—to take their places in the Kingdom of God. 30And note this: Some who seem least important now will be the greatest then, and some who are the greatest now will be least important then.
I enjoy watching sports and if it’s not my team, I often root for the underdog. In fact, I’m unsupportive of teams who somehow stack themselves with the best players while dominating over those who seem inferior. I think to myself, “It’s just not fair!”
The Jews thought that they would exclusively be invited to the great Messianic banquet. And a Gentile (all others) may have felt like being on that inferior team with no opportunity to be saved. But least expected by the Jews, Jesus envisioned in verse 29 that people from all regions, walks, ethnicities, and social statuses would be present at the wedding banquet when He reunites with His bride (God’s people).
And many will be surprised as those who were prominent in this world could be humbled, while those whom no one noticed may be princes in the world to come. God is no respecter of earthly titles, rankings or reputations. As far as He is concerned, we are all on the same playing field and have an equal opportunity to attain greatness in heaven. And it is not who we are, but who Christ is in us that matters. It is not necessarily how hard we work as it is the heart which we work with, a heart who loves God and is willing to live completely for Him.
I have the title and position of a pastor, and although it comes with earthly responsibilities, in God’s Kingdom, it is not in any way an exclusive path to greatness. As John the Baptist concedes in John 3:30, “He must become greater; I must become less.” Spurgeon says that "the last shall be first" is a reflection of grace. While "the first shall be last" is a reflection of sin. Thank you Lord that you are an “Equal Opportunity Savior.”
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