But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.
The apostles had scarcely started and already demanded the prize like soldiers claiming discharge after a month. Christ warns that a strong beginning counts for nothing if you lose courage midway; the race is not won by vigor at the start but by perseverance to the end.
AI summary
The rich young ruler and his kind, first in this world's rank, shall be last in the world to come. The apostles, poor and despised now, shall be first then. The Scribes and Pharisees held the highest seat in the Jewish church yet shall be least in God's kingdom, while publicans and sinners, lowest now, shall enter first.
AI summary
This verse belongs with the parable that follows, which explains it fully. The principle is plain: worldly rank and timing mean nothing in God's kingdom. Many who appear first and greatest here will find themselves last, and many now despised or overlooked will stand first before Him.
AI summary