And behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The most striking thing here is that Jesus isn't just talking about an unpredictable outcome, but a reversal of perceived status. Those who are considered "last" in human eyes—perhaps the marginalized, the Gentiles, or those considered less righteous—will shockingly find themselves in the highest place, while those who considered themselves "first," like the proud religious elite, will be cast out. This highlights that God’s economy turns our human evaluations completely upside down.
And behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just spoken parables about the kingdom of God growing and spreading, like leaven or a mustard seed. He then describes a scene where people who relied on their past associations and privileges knock at a closed door, only to be told they are unknown, while outsiders will be welcomed. This verse serves as a stark summary, declaring that those considered "last" by earthly standards will be honored, and those who considered themselves "first" will be excluded.
Imagine knocking on a door, sure you belong inside, only to hear, 'I don't know you.' This isn't just a story; it's a warning about God's timing.
Jesus uses the imagery of a master of a house who has shut the door.
Seizing the Moment
This highlights that there's an appointed time for God's kingdom. While God's invitation is open now, the door will eventually be shut. This isn't about God being unfair, but about the reality of judgment and the importance of responding to His call while we have the chance. It's a powerful call to urgency.
The Danger of Neglect
Those who claim to have eaten and drunk in the master's presence, or heard teachings in their streets, are shut out. This speaks to those who might have had religious privileges or exposure to God's Word but never truly embraced it. Mere proximity or outward participation isn't enough; a genuine inward response is what counts.
Who would you expect to see at God's grandest banquet? Jesus flips the guest list, inviting those nobody saw coming.
The verse speaks to a radical reordering of who belongs to God's kingdom.
From the Edges In
Jesus points to people coming 'from the east and west and from the north and south.' This clearly refers to the Gentiles – people from outside the Jewish nation who were considered 'far off' by many.
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A Divine Ingathering
These Gentiles, who were spiritually last (having not received the Law or the promises given to Israel), would surprisingly be 'first' in experiencing the kingdom's joy and reign. Their faith and response to God would place them in the most honored positions.
We love to rank people – who's important, who's influential. But Jesus insists God's evaluation is the only one that truly matters, and it’s often the opposite of ours.
This verse is a profound statement about how God assesses value and position.
Challenging Human Pride
Jesus directly addresses the pride of the Jewish people, who considered themselves first due to their covenant relationship with God. He warns them that their status as 'first' might actually lead to them being 'last' in God's eyes if they reject Him.
The True Measure
Conversely, those considered 'last' – the marginalized, the Gentiles, the seemingly insignificant – could find themselves elevated to the 'first' positions in God's kingdom because of their faith and response to Jesus. This principle isn't just historical; it's a timeless reminder that God looks at the heart, not outward status or heritage.
Jesus is speaking to a Jewish audience who believed they were God's chosen people, the 'first' in line for salvation. He's warning them that their national identity and past privileges won't guarantee them a place in God's kingdom. Instead, many Gentiles, previously considered 'last' and outside God's favor, will enter the kingdom through faith, while many Jews who held to tradition without true faith will be excluded.
Late 8th century BC - 6th century BC
Jews deported by Assyria and Babylon
The northern kingdom of Israel was conquered by Assyria, leading to the deportation of its people. Later, the southern kingdom of Judah faced multiple deportations by Babylon, culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem.
c. 6th century BC
Prophets announce judgment on Israel
Prophets like Jeremiah and Ezekiel delivered stern messages of judgment and exile, warning the people of Judah that their disobedience would lead to severe consequences.
c. 4th century BC - 1st century BC
Rise of Hellenistic influence
Following Alexander the Great's conquests, Greek culture and language spread throughout the region, influencing Jewish society and leading to internal tensions.
c. 30 BC - AD 30— this verse
Jesus' Ministry in Galilee and Judea
Jesus traveled throughout the regions, teaching, healing, and calling people to repent and believe in the coming Kingdom of God. His ministry attracted large crowds but also drew opposition from religious leaders.
c. AD 30 - AD 33
Jesus' final journey to Jerusalem
Jesus made His final journey to Jerusalem, knowing the dangers He would face. This period was marked by His teachings on the Kingdom, parables about judgment, and His eventual crucifixion.
This passage presents the exact same saying, highlighting Jesus' consistent teaching that worldly status and religious affiliation would be overturned in God's kingdom.
Romans 9:30-33Paul explains how Israel, though pursuing righteousness through the Law (being 'first'), stumbled because they did not pursue it by faith, while Gentiles, who were not pursuing righteousness, obtained it through faith, thus illustrating this principle of reversal.
Matthew 20:16This parallel account of the parable of the laborers in the vineyard directly illustrates the principle that those who came last received the same reward as those who came first, emphasizing God's sovereign and often surprising distribution of grace.
1 Corinthians 1:27-29The Apostle Paul directly states that God chooses the 'weak,' 'foolish,' and 'low' things of the world to shame the wise, the strong, and the esteemed, mirroring this idea of divine reversal.
calvinLuke 13:25-30: "When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:"
- And when the master of the house shall have arisen, and shall have shut the door, and you shall begin to stand without and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us: and he answering shall say to you, I know not whence you are: 26. Th…
jfbLuke 13:18-30: "Then said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I resemble it?"
Lu 13:18-30. Miscellaneous Teachings.18-21. mustard seed … leaven—(See on [1657]Mr 4:30-32). The parable of "the Leaven" sets forth, perhaps, rather the inward growth of the kingdom, while "the Mustard Seed" seems to point chiefly to the outward. It being a woman's work to knead, it seems a refinement to say that "the woman" here represents the Church, as the instrument of depositing the leav…
The most striking thing here is that Jesus isn't just talking about an unpredictable outcome, but a reversal of perceived status. Those who are considered "last" in human eyes—perhaps the marginalized, the Gentiles, or those considered less righteous—will shockingly find themselves in the highest place, while those who considered themselves "first," like the proud religious elite, will be cast out. This highlights that God’s economy turns our human evaluations completely upside down.
Jesus has just spoken parables about the kingdom of God growing and spreading, like leaven or a mustard seed. He then describes a scene where people who relied on their past associations and privileges knock at a closed door, only to be told they are unknown, while outsiders will be welcomed. This verse serves as a stark summary, declaring that those considered "last" by earthly standards will be honored, and those who considered themselves "first" will be excluded.
Jesus has just spoken parables about the kingdom of God growing and spreading, like leaven or a mustard seed. He then describes a scene where people who relied on their past associations and privileges knock at a closed door, only to be told they are unknown, while outsiders will be welcomed. This verse serves as a stark summary, declaring that those considered "last" by earthly standards will be honored, and those who considered themselves "first" will be excluded.
"And behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.”" — The most striking thing here is that Jesus isn't just talking about an unpredictable outcome, but a reversal of perceived status. Those who are considered "last" in human eyes—perhaps the marginalize…
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Last reviewed October 2026