Matthew 19:30
But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.
Have you ever seen a show like Ellen where they play a game and at the end the host tells not just the winner, but all three contestants that they get the fabulous prize?
If you're the person in second or third place you got a big slice of mercy. If you're the first place finisher, you probably feel a little slighted- like you earned it and they didn't. But the neat thing about that show- All three usually jump up and down and hug each other, maybe because they know the prize is awesome and they didn't really do much to deserve it. It's a beautiful sight.
In today's gospel Jesus tells us things won't be fair. At least not the way we see it to mean. I always thought first would be last, last would be first meant a reversal, but if you read the fine print (literally in the scripture notes), Matthew also used it to explain that whenever you come to accept Jesus into your life, you get the same reward. Like the workers in the vineyard who came late in the day and got the same payment.
So whether you are super strong in your commitment to Jesus, brand new to this life or really aren't even fully invested yet, remember there is a more-than-fabulous prize for all of us: true freedom, peace, fullness and eternal life. And for that, we should all jump up and down.
