Photo Negative - Part 1

Matthew 19:30

But many who are first will be last, and the last first.

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It took me many years to understand some of the most fundamental aspects of the Christian life. The reason for this delay, I believe, is that one must have a photo negative view of the world to even make sense of the teachings of Jesus and his followers. When I used to read Matthew 19 and similar passages, I would come away with this basic application: Go sell everything you own and become celibate for the kingdom of God. I'm exaggerating a little. But, only a little.

In reality, this passage is quite radical, but not exactly in the way it appears on first glance. The main point, which as usual can be deduced from the concluding statement, is that many who are first will be last, and vice versa. In other words, God has no favorites, whether they be ethnic, economic, or age-related. The culture puts someone on a pedestal, but that means little to God. Notice, this conclusion is not causal, but merely observational: God is NOT saying that those who are first in this life WILL always be last. He's merely observing that it is the case, and fairly often, that the culture gets things backwards and esteems certain people for the wrong reasons.

This chapter gives three examples of how God's kingdom is a photo negative in comparison to the standard cultural practices of the time.

(1) Divorce. The people think that because Moses allowed divorce, therefore God must be okay with the practice as well. But, Jesus reminds them that this practice was not a positive good prescribed by God, but rather an unfortunate practice that was allowed due to their hard hearts. Then, Jesus equates divorce with adultery. This is the photo negative, and understandably the disciples are shocked.

(2) Children. The people brought their children to Jesus so that he could pray for them. The disciples did not approve and tried to rebuke the people. So, Jesus rebukes the disciples. He gives them the photo negative: The kingdom of heaven belongs to little children. The disciples, and most of the culture, were looking for a messiah who would conquer the Romans and bring an earthly reign of peace. Jesus, especially in Matthew, brings a vision of God's kingdom that is shocking and unexpected.

(3) Money. Riches were probably considered one of many signs that God's favor was upon you. This is instinctual as a cultural norm and is still common among advocates of the "prosperity gospel." When this young man approaches Jesus, the disciples probably thought he would be the most likely to be honored and esteemed by Jesus. He had kept the commandment. He had acquired wealth. He was the envy of all. But, Jesus again brought the photo negative. It is virtually impossible for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. This too, was a great shock to the disciples, revealing their preconceived notions about what was pleasing to God: "Who then can be saved?"

If riches, age, and ethnicity are of no value in gaining favor with God, then who can be saved? It is a logical question. The cultural norms were a powerful force in shaping people's thoughts and expectations. But, more than that, these standard practices, then and now, become a representation of what people believe about God. Therefore, we must take the utmost care that our own cultural tendencies are not at odds with the teaching and example of Jesus. If they are, we may one day soon be standing with the disciples in shock when Jesus brings the photo negative to us.