“So, the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen.” (Matthew 20:16, NKJV)

Everyone likes a good story, and Jesus was an amazing storyteller. His parables were concise and deep with spiritual meanings that Bible students are still trying to grasp. He was a Master at illustrating a point and making it stick. He seemed to have the perfect story for any situation.

The rich young ruler had gone away sad, and Jesus said how difficult it was for a rich person to enter heaven. Then Peter said that they had left everything to follow Him. So, Jesus said that everyone who leaves houses, brothers, sisters, father, mother, wife, children, or lands for His sake will receive a hundred times as much and inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first. He then illustrated the point with a parable about a vineyard owner who hired workers throughout the day and paid them at the end of the day.

Early in the morning, he hired workers and agreed to pay them the standard day’s wage of a denarius. At 9:00 am, he hired more workers, agreeing to pay them whatever was right. At noon and 3:00 pm, he did likewise, and at 5:00 pm he hired more workers who had been standing around all day, promising to pay them a fair wage. In the evening, he paid them all beginning with the last to the first. He gave the ones hired at 5:00 pm a denarius for only working one hour. When the ones hired early in the morning came, they expected to receive more, but they only received a denarius. They complained against the owner because the workers hired at 5:00 pm received the same as them. But the owner pointed out that he did nothing wrong. He paid them exactly what he agreed to pay. Did they think evil of him because he chose to be generous with his money? Therefore, the last will be first, and the first last.

Some people serve the Lord their entire lives. Other people turn to God very late in life. But everyone who believes in Jesus and serves Him will inherit eternal life. We build no equity in the kingdom of God. Just because we have worked longer or endured more suffering does not mean that we are entitled to receive more. We may have been called first and will receive our inheritance last; or we may be called last and receive our inheritance first. Think of Charlie Kirk, for instance. He was “hired” late in the day but has already received his inheritance.

Now not all the Greek manuscripts contain the last phrase, “For many are called, but few are chosen.” (This is why many modern translations do not include it.) But I believe that Jesus said it. God calls everyone to repent (Acts 17:30), but not everyone responds. However, whoever calls on the name of the Lord is saved and chosen by God. I can think of no greater joy and privilege than to know that I have been chosen by God to be with Him, to serve Him, and to enjoy Him forever. Do you have this same joy and assurance?