Last First, First Last

Matthew 19:30 - But the last will be first, and the first shall be last.

This radical overturning of values, identities, and norms seems as confusing to us as it probably did to the disciples. ... Again, everything they and we have been taught. Jesus is claiming that everything they and we have been taught is incorrect, the wrong way of thinking and being, humanity's way rather than God's way.

He's speaking here about the kin-dom of heaven and its reversal of life situations. Those who think themselves important now will find themselves unimportant in heaven. Those who are marginalized now will find themselves sitting on the thrones judging their oppressors. It's an intoxicating image for one who is on the bottom rung of society's ladder.

But, what if the kin-dom of heaven - a spiritual kin-dom - reaches us on earth? What if this passage is not only descriptive, but prescriptive as well? In other words, what if Jesus is speaking to all of us? What if Jesus is calling us, Christians in the 21st century to go, sell all we have, give the proceeds to the poor and follow him? What if Jesus wants us to work with God in creating heaven on earth? Or at least to strive for it? What if we are being asked to do what this last sentence suggests and make the last of this world our first priority? ... How would our lives change? Would they?

Does it scare us to think about this possibility? Why? What exactly is terrifying about it? If it weren't terrifying we would put less energy into why it doesn't apply to us and just do it. Are we worried about what others will think of us? Which others? Or about what we may have to give up? Many of us live comfy lifestyles.  Or how would we survive? Are we afraid of being homeless, unemployed or just plain poor ourselves? Are we afraid of physical suffering? What about emotional suffering? I think the answers to these questions could tell us a lot about ourselves.

I write this as a white woman so I wonder how these words sound to those who are further down the ladder. Like manna from heaven? Like a glass of cool water on a hot day? Like affirmation? Do these words give hope? Or do they sound hollow? It's safe to say that if this notion of putting the last first on our priority list scares us or makes us the least bit uncomfortable, perhaps Jesus is calling us to become curious about why that is. In learning about ourselves, we learn about others as well.

What can we do today to follow Jesus in this way?
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