Throughout history, the firstborn son has often received special status and authority. But in the biblical story, God frequently overturns this cultural norm by choosing younger, unexpected heirs to carry His purposes. Jesus, as God incarnate, has supreme rights and authority. Yet He redefined power as loving service. When we follow Christ’s example as the loving firstborn, it challenges human systems and brings renewal.
The Significance of the Firstborn in Ancient Cultures
In many ancient societies, the firstborn son held a place of preeminence in the family. Several factors contributed to this:
- As the earliest offspring, the firstborn was seen to possess the “prime” of the father’s strength and vitality.
- The first son was often the one who would carry on the family name and inheritance. He would become responsible for the family estate.
- Later children were viewed as “second-best” or backups in case something happened to the precious firstborn. This led to seeing the first as most valuable.
- The firstborn was like a living symbol of the father’s virility and dominance. His power and status were extended through this privileged child.
This cultural norm created a built-in hierarchy within families. The firstborn became accustomed to privilege and deference. Younger siblings learned to submit to his authority. The family order centered around honoring the primary rights of the firstborn son.
This practice was common in biblical times. The right of the firstborn was assumed and highly valued in that cultural context. But God often had different plans…
What Jesus Meant by “The Last Will Be First”
One of Jesus’ most paradoxical statements that epitomizes His upside-down kingdom is this:
“So the last will be first, and the first will be last” (Matthew 20:16).
On multiple occasions, Jesus made similar statements about the last being first and the first being last (see Matthew 19:30, Mark 10:31, Luke 13:30). What did He mean by these provocative words?
In essence, Jesus was proclaiming that status and privilege in God’s kingdom do not operate the way they do in worldly systems. Human society elevates the first, the most important, the greatest. But in God’s value system, “the last” – the poor, marginalized, overlooked – are the greatest.
This directly contradicts the way status is normally allocated. Jesus teaches that true greatness comes through humble service, not self-promotion. The values of the kingdom stand conventional order on its head.
By following Jesus’ example of raising up the lowly and serving the marginalized, we live out this profound truth – “the last will be first.” As we humble ourselves and care for those society devalues, we embrace the upside-down values of God’s kingdom.
God’s Pattern of Choosing Younger Heirs in Scripture
Cain and Abel – The first siblings mentioned in the Bible provide an early example of God elevating the second-born. Cain was the first son of Adam and Eve, but his younger brother Abel found favor with God. This foreshadowed Cain’s rejection for murdering Abel out of jealousy (Genesis 4:1-16).
Ishmael and Isaac – Abraham’s first son Ishmael was born through Hagar. But God promised that Abraham’s second son Isaac, born miraculously through Sarah, would inherit the covenant blessing (Genesis 17:19).
Jacob and Esau – Isaac’s two sons struggle in the womb, foretelling future conflict. Although Esau was born first, Jacob the younger receives his father’s blessing and birthright through deception (Genesis 25:19-34).
Joseph – While not the firstborn, Joseph is favored by his father and given authority over his older brothers. This fuels deep sibling resentment and rivalry (Genesis 37:3-4).
David – When the people demand a king, God chooses the lowly shepherd boy David, the youngest of 8 brothers, to lead Israel rather than older, more impressive candidates like Saul’s son Jonathan (1 Samuel 16:1-13).
In these examples and more, God’s chosen heirs often subvert the expected inheritance order. But does this solve problems of power and rivalry in families?
Subverted Yet Abusive Birthrights in the Bible
Unfortunately, those who receive the birthright out of expected order in Scripture often become prideful and abusive themselves:
- Abel faces jealousy and murder from his rejected older brother Cain.
- Isaac deals with mockery and threats from Ishmael (Genesis 21:8-10).
- Jacob exploits Esau and later faces retaliation from his deceived brother (Genesis 27).
- Joseph experiences hatred and betrayal from his jealous elder brothers (Genesis 37).
- David faces many threats and battles after being anointed king over Saul’s dynasty (1 Samuel 18-30).
In other words, subverting the firstborn’s status often perpetuated conflict and violence rather than resolving it. Whether elevated or lowered, given power or denied it, humans tended to turn the birthright to self-advantage and power struggles.
Jesus As the Ultimate Firstborn Who Redefines Power
In contrast, Jesus provides a radical redefinition of what it means to be firstborn. The New Testament refers to Jesus using royal firstborn language:
“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation” (Colossians 1:15).
“For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters” (Romans 8:29).
As the Son of God sent from heaven, Jesus has supreme status and authority as the “firstborn over all creation.” He reigns over everything that exists.
Yet Jesus used His exalted position not to be served but to serve and sacrifice Himself for others:
“…Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant” (Philippians 2:5-7).
By humbly serving, relating compassionately to outcasts, confronting the abuse of power, and then dying on a cross, Jesus redefined true authority and greatness.
After rising from the dead as victor over evil, Jesus shares His birthright as God’s Son with His followers:
“And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything…which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way” (Ephesians 1:22-23).
By giving His own life for the church, Jesus sets the pattern for leadership through sacrificial love and service. He invites us to join His family as beloved sons and daughters.
The Way of Jesus Challenges Worldly Hierarchy
The way of Jesus stands in stark contrast to societal norms about power, status, and human value:
Upending hierarchies – In Christ, there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female (Galatians 3:28). Only humility and service matter.
From rivalry to reconciliation – Instead of sibling conflict, Jesus brings redemption and adoption into God’s household of peace (Romans 8:15-17).
Washing feet – Rather than being served, Jesus washed His disciples feet as an example that a leader must be a servant (John 13:1-17).
Becoming last – “The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted” (Matthew 23:11-12).
Losing life to gain it – True life and authority come through self-sacrifice, not self-promotion (Mark 8:34-35).
Dying to live – “I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds” (John 12:24).
Jesus’ revolutionary example challenges status-seeking and fear-based leadership across society – from governments to religious groups to families.
As the true Firstborn, Jesus invites us to find greatness through serving. He shares His birthright with all who follow Him as brother and sister. “The last will be first” in God’s upside-down kingdom!
Remaining Questions and Discussion
Let’s keep exploring and discussing how Jesus’ radical way as the loving Firstborn can transform our world:
- Why do you think God so consistently chose younger siblings for the birthright rather than the firstborn in Scripture?
- How have you seen hierarchies, rivalry, or status-seeking cause harm in society or relationships?
- What are practical ways you can adopt Jesus’ model of servant leadership in your contexts?
- How does Jesus’ example challenge leadership attitudes we may see at work, school, or church?
- What would it look like for families, churches, or nations to live by Jesus’ redefinition of greatness and authority?
I welcome your thoughts! Jesus’ life and teachings call us to a better way of love and service as God’s beloved sons and daughters.
