What does this passage mean?

[CelticMist]

Matthew 20:16 (http://biblegateway.com/cgi-bin/bible?language=english&version=KJV&passage=Matthew+20%3A16)
So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.

[Rondaben]

I think that it helps to put it into context with the scriptures preceding it.

Mat 20:8 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.
Mat 20:9 And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny.
Mat 20:10 But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny.
Mat 20:11 And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house,
Mat 20:12 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.
Mat 20:13 But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny?
Mat 20:14 Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee.
Mat 20:15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?
Mat 20:16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.

This parable is illustrating how we view our brethren's service to Jesus. Some Christians have been so since a very early age--always faithful to Christ and following his teachings. Their reward is Heaven and eternal fellowship with Jesus. Others will have lived completely debased lives, full of evil and hatred. Yet at the end of their life they repent and accept salvation through Jesus. One possible of this was "The son of Sam", Sam Berkowitz. He professed a conversion for Christ after his conviction of multiple horrific murders. How do you feel with the idea that he might be in Heaven as well? Even that he might have a greater reward in heaven than you? Thats what Christ was saying in the parable. He will reward each person as they deserve and our ideas of "fairness" should not come between us and Christ.

Hope that helps!

[HeIsEnough]

I think that it helps to put it into context with the scriptures preceding it.

This parable is illustrating how we view our brethren's service to Jesus. Some Christians have been so since a very early age--always faithful to Christ and following his teachings. Their reward is Heaven and eternal fellowship with Jesus. Others will have lived completely debased lives, full of evil and hatred. Yet at the end of their life they repent and accept salvation through Jesus.

:nod

And also, this is like unto a reference to Israel: "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." The people of Israel did bore the 'heat of the day' to be used to bring the gospel to the Gentiles. The same thought is put back to the Gentiles when He warns not to glory over the ones who bore the heat of the day, so to speak.

"Is thine eye evil, because I am good? "

This is a very important principle. God is good and gives freely to all who come to Him. We should practice rejoicing and thanksgiving when He does it, rather than envy (eye evil). God asks us, because I am good, it causes you to think evil?

[CelticMist]

I think that it helps to put it into context with the scriptures preceding it.



This parable is illustrating how we view our brethren's service to Jesus. Some Christians have been so since a very early age--always faithful to Christ and following his teachings. Their reward is Heaven and eternal fellowship with Jesus. Others will have lived completely debased lives, full of evil and hatred. Yet at the end of their life they repent and accept salvation through Jesus. One possible of this was "The son of Sam", Sam Berkowitz. He professed a conversion for Christ after his conviction of multiple horrific murders. How do you feel with the idea that he might be in Heaven as well? Even that he might have a greater reward in heaven than you? Thats what Christ was saying in the parable. He will reward each person as they deserve and our ideas of "fairness" should not come between us and Christ.

Hope that helps!
the latter of that passage: could it be talking about those that have chosen to be known to us as Pastors, Priests, Rabbis, etc? and the rest of us just followers?

Or does it mean many are called, but few chosen ~ to enter into the kingdom?

[CelticMist]

thanks for the passages :o

[Topped 3]

I read a view by one Author who said that the "last" refers to those who serve others and sacrifice their money,time,resources with the view that this world is unimportant;only serving God and others satisfies;(Spirit filled Life).And the" first" then represents those that have not grown in faith,or knowledge of the word;are still imature spiritually,babes,unwise,selfish,ambitious.

[CelticMist]

I read a view by one Author who said that the "last" refers to those who serve others and sacrifice their money,time,resources with the view that this world is unimportant;only serving God and others satisfies;(Spirit filled Life).And the" first" then represents those that have not grown in faith,or knowledge of the word;are still imature spiritually,babes,unwise,selfish,ambitious.
hmmm I can see this view....