First and Last

Matthew 22:16 is one of hose Bible verses often quoted even by those who never read it and have no idea of the context. It is not surprising that non-Christians or those nominally attending church services but not given to Bible study would misapply the passage but I am surprised how many faithful Bible class attenders misunderstand the quote as well.

I can't tell you how many times I've heard seasoned Christians talk about the last being first and the first sing last as if they would be trading places. The thought expressed is that of perhaps the poor becoming rich while the rich become poor or the powerful becoming weak wile the weak become powerful. I can even recall illustrations where people were lined up an then the end of the lie went in first - good illustration for a poorly conceived point.

He context of the passage is that of day workers being hired for a day's wages. Some were hired early in the day, others hired as the day progressed and some at the last hour of the day. When they lined up to be paid, the last ones hired were the first ones o be paid, going up the line to the first to be hired. They assumed that he would pay them more but he paid everyone the a full day's wages, even those only working an hour. Those working a fully day received the same wage - a day's pay.

Everyone was stunned but the wee of the field reminded them of their agreement on wages and that they had been paid in full. The fact that he wanted to be generous to others was not their call r when their business.  The point was that the owner rewarded wanted to give everyone enough. A day's wage would feed a family for a day, paying anyone less, though he had the right, would leave them short. Instead he determined that all, from last to the first, would be the same in receiving enough.

The point isn't about trading places but being placed together in standing so that each had enough. The greater point is that it is the owner's prerogative to give not the workers' right to demand. What we determine as fair has no bearing on the decisions of a Sovereign God. We cannot obligate him by our perceived standards of conduct.

God will do as he pleases and he pleases to elevate everyone who comes to him, regardless of when in life they come.  Early or late, his grace covers all our sins and we all stand equally righteous before him by that grace, not our works.   Giving equally to all that come to him, whenever they come to him - that's so God.   Jus' Say'n.