The Last Shall be First

Read Matthew 20

Have you ever thought something good (receive an award, be recognized, etc.) was going to happen to you and it didn't? Do you remember how you felt? You probably felt a lot like the workers in this story. You were mad or upset. You had your own little pity party. As I read this passage today, I was reminded that God is a good God. His offer is the same to all, and all receive it the same way by following Him.

This sin that I think we so over and over in this passage is pride and self-centeredness. From the workers in the vineyard to the disciples arguing, and the people quieting the blind men, everyone wanted what they thought they deserved. The workers who had worked all day figured they would receive more. And being a parable I could see how in heaven there will be some who will think they have a bigger and better spot than others. Clearly, this was what James and John thought. "We have followed Christ from the beginning, so we deserve the best seat in the house." The people didn't want to share the Messiah (miracle worker) with two blind beggars, they wanted the attention to themselves.

The lesson to learn today is that pride only stands in the way of my relationship with Christ. Let us all confess our sin of pride, and stop trying to be the greatest by the world's standards. "And whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."

Our Heavenly Father, we thank you that Jesus came to seek and save that which was lost, to be a ransom for us. Without His shed blood we have no chance for eternal life. Help me to set aside my petty differences with my fellow man. Help me not to elevate myself, but remain humbly before your throne. Lord, help me to serve others and not myself. In Jesus Name, Amen.