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NASB | Matthew 20:16 "So the last shall be first, and the first last." |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Matthew 20:16 "So those who are last [in this world] shall be first [in the world to come], and those who are first, last." |
Bible Question: I am having dificulty reconciling the last part (For many are called, but few are chosen) to the rest of the text. i understand the parable, but do not see how this fits. Thanks |
Bible Answer: Graceful In the parable the king sends a message out to those who were bidden that all things are ready. I believe that hose binden represent Israel, we read in John 1 "he came unto to his own (his own people" and they received him not, but to as many as received him gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. Those who were bidden made light of the message and even killed the servants who brought them the message. However, the King is persistent that there will be guests at his son's wedding "go into the highways and as many as you shall find, bid to the marriage" Matt. 22:9 This would remind us that the Lord Jesus first came to his own people and for the most part they rejected him. However, God sent the message to those without, who did not previously have an invitation, the gentiles and invited them to come in. Hence he says "many are called and few are chosen" The many refers to the provision which God has provided, the few refers to those who accept the invitation. I believe this is supported by the words of Jesus regarding the broad road "and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat" Matt. 7:13 Those who were bidden shall be last and those who were bidden afterward shall be first. "Many are called, but few are chosen" I believe Jesus is referring to the many that have been given the invitation in contrast to the few that have accepted it. Robert |