
S – And people will come from east and west, and from north and south, and recline at table in the kingdom of God. 30 And behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.”
Luke 13:29–30 CSB
O – Commentary:
Jesus explained that Gentiles would be added to the kingdom in place of Jewish people (Luke 13:29–30). People coming from the four corners of the world represent various population groups. Those listening to Jesus’ words should not have been surprised by this teaching because the prophets had often said the same thing. However, Jews in Jesus’ day believed that Gentiles were inferior to them. When Jesus had begun His ministry in Nazareth, His teaching of Gentile inclusion had so maddened the crowd that they tried to kill Him (4:13–30). The Jewish people considered themselves to be first in every way, but they would be last, that is, they would be left out of the kingdom. In contrast, some Gentiles, considered last, would be in the kingdom and would really be first in importance (13:30)
John A. Martin, “Luke,” (https://ref.ly/logosres/bkc?ref=Bible.Lk13.22-30&off=2029&ctx=ved+in+the+kingdom.+~Jesus+explained+that) in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 241.
A – Jesus restated what was spoken throughout the Old Testament. The kingdom of God was for all people, not just the Jewish nation. As he moves closer to Jerusalem and his crucifixion, this is an important principle for his disciples to remember as they build the early church.
R – Heavenly Father, you are God of all people. Thank you for loving all of us so we could have the opportunity to be in a relationship with you. We want to get to know you better and grow our relationship with you today.