THE FIRST SHALL BE LAST AND THE LAST SHALL BE FIRST
The “churches” teach that this is referring to the Jews and Gentiles.
This cannot fit into scriptural doctrine because there is no true foundation for it.
Here is why:
The Jews are NOT Israel. They are descendants of Cain and of Esau.
The Gentiles are not what you have been taught either.
Gentile is a Latin word that means a nation, race or tribe of people. That's it. The definition of non-Israelite was added to promote and support the lie that the Jews are Israel, creating a deceptive false doctrine which has fooled the world.
For an in depth examination of this truth, see 'Cain', 'Edom' in (Who's Who menu), and 'Gentiles' in (Word Studies menu).
Scripture is a mystery if you don't know the history.
Matthew 19:23 Then said Jesus unto His disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.
19:24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
19:25 When His disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?
19:26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
19:27 Then answered Peter and said unto Him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?
19:28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed Me, in the regeneration (restoration) when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of His glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
19:29 And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for My name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.
19:30 But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.
Law abiders (of God's laws) are last in this world and first in the kingdom.
Those that store up cares and treasure in this world, will be least in the next.
The teaching is that Yahweh God planted His children on the earth to build the kingdom. We must all do our part. The householder is obviously Yahshua Messiah and His laborers are His disciples. Those who observe the divine laws and follow the doctrine of The Way. They have true knowledge and understanding and it is their duty to bring the message to their kinsman which are those of our racial family that live in the Vineyard, which represents the world. Yahweh chooses who He reveals these truths to. It is our job to get on line and be ready for the choosing. Some of us have been working for Him for a long time. Some of us for a short time. Some of us are just starting now. The point is, get your resume in or you will find yourself jobless and ultimately lifeless.
Matthew 20:1 For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard.
20:2 And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.
20:3 And he went out about the third (9am) hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace,
20:4 And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way.
20:5 Again he went out about the sixth (noon) and ninth (3pm) hour, and did likewise.
20:6 And about the eleventh (5pm) hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle?
20:7 They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.
20:8 So when even was come, the master of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first.
20:9 And when they came that were hired about the eleventh (5pm) hour, they received every man a penny.
20:10 But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny.
20:11 And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house,
20:12 Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.
20:13 But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny?
20:14 Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee.
20:15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?
20:16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.
1-16 We must not despise our brethren who awaken at the last hour. Neither do we despise those who come after us, with the attitude that they are beneath us.
Deuteronomy 15:9 Beware that there be not a thought in thy wicked heart, saying, The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand; and thine eye be evil against thy poor brother, and thou givest him nought; and he cry unto Yahweh against thee, and it be sin unto thee.
The thief on the cross.
Luke 23:39 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on Him, saying, If You be Christ, save Yourself and us.
23:40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not you fear God, seeing you art in the same condemnation (judgment)?
23:41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.
23:42 And he said unto Jesus, Prince, remember me when You comest into Your kingdom.
23:43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto you, To day shalt you be with Me in paradise.
Those of us that repent and call upon Him even at the last hour can be delivered. After that, it's too late.
The foolish virgins were too late.
Matthew 25:1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.
Ephesians 5:29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Prince the assembly:
30 For we are members of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones.
The virgins represent the children of Israel. Pure blooded and unmixed.
25:2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
25:3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:
25:4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
25:5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.
25:6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.
25:7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.
'trimmed', put in order.
25:8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.
25:9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.
25:10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
The foolish virgins were found in the marketplace supporting the Beast system (Mystery Babylon).
25:11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Master, Master, open to us.
25:12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.
Psalm 5:5 The foolish shall not stand in Thy sight: Thou hatest all workers of iniquity.
25:13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.