Divine Paradoxes: Resolving Seeming Contradictions in Christian Theology
Category 3: Doctrinal Paradoxes in Salvation
1. Introduction
One of Jesus’ most repeated paradoxes is: “The last shall be first, and the first last” (Matthew 19:30; 20:16; Mark 10:31). In a world governed by hierarchy, status, and merit, this reversal appears irrational. Yet it captures the radical reordering of values in the Kingdom of God. This paradox does not negate justice, but reveals divine priorities: humility, grace, and servanthood over entitlement, pride, and self-exaltation.
2. Scriptural Foundations
2.1 Direct Teachings
- Matthew 19:30 – “But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.”
- Matthew 20:16 – “So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.”
- Mark 10:31 – “But many that are first shall be last; and the last first.”
2.2 Parabolic Illustrations
- Matthew 20:1–16 – Parable of the Labourers in the Vineyard: all workers receive equal pay regardless of hours worked,
- Luke 14:7–11 – Parable of the Wedding Feast: those who humble themselves will be exalted.
3. Theological Meaning
This paradox reveals God’s gracious reordering of human values. In the Kingdom, greatness is measured not by prominence but by faithfulness, humility, and sacrificial love. It is not about achievement, but God’s sovereign choice and mercy.
4. Paradox Explained
| Last in the World’s Eyes | First in the Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Humble, obscure, and lowly | Honoured by God (James 4:10) |
| Marginalised or outcast (Luke 14:21) | Invited to the banquet of grace |
| Least among others (Luke 9:48) | Considered great by divine standard |
5. Christ as the Model of Reversal
- Jesus emptied Himself, took the form of a servant, and was exalted (Philippians 2:5–11),
- Though He had every right to be first, He made Himself last for others (Mark 10:45),
- His ministry consistently honoured the lowly and upended pride.
6. Historical Theological Perspectives
6.1 Early Church
- Irenaeus: God reverses the world’s values to heal human pride,
- Chrysostom: Greatness in God’s eyes is found in meekness and mercy.
6.2 Medieval and Reformation
- Bernard of Clairvaux: Love of obscurity as a path to divine favour,
- Martin Luther: Emphasised the “theology of the cross” — God reveals power through weakness.
6.3 Modern Thought
- Dietrich Bonhoeffer: True leadership is service; God lifts the humble and uses the hidden,
- Henri Nouwen: God’s work is often done by the unnoticed, not the celebrated.
7. Doctrinal Implications
- God’s grace overturns meritocracy—entry to the Kingdom is by mercy, not comparison,
- Servanthood is the measure of true greatness (Matthew 23:11),
- Final rewards will surprise human expectations.
8. Devotional Applications
- Cultivate humility—be content to be unseen by the world but known by God,
- Serve without seeking recognition, trusting God’s timing and reward,
- Encourage others who feel spiritually or socially “last” — God sees and honours them.
9. Summary Table
| World’s First | Kingdom’s First |
|---|---|
| Rich, powerful, self-exalting | Humble, generous, self-denying |
| Religious elite and boastful (Matt. 23:5) | Publican who cried for mercy (Luke 18:13–14) |
| Many works, but lacking love (Rev. 2:2–4) | Faithful in hidden obedience (Matt. 6:6) |
10. Conclusion
The paradox “The last will be first” is not just a poetic phrase—it is a principle of divine justice, mercy, and glory. God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. Those who seek to be first in this life may miss the Kingdom’s heart, while those who willingly become least shall be honoured beyond imagination. It calls believers to radical trust, quiet obedience, and Christ-like humility.
References
- The Holy Bible, King James Version (KJV)
- Irenaeus. Against Heresies
- Chrysostom. Homilies on Matthew
- Bernard of Clairvaux. On Loving God
- Luther, M. Heidelberg Disputation
- Bonhoeffer, D. Life Together
- Nouwen, H. The Genesee Diary