“many that are first will be last, and the last will be first.” Mark 10:31   

Professor Jessica Coblentz explains that, like many biblical adages, “the first shall be last, and the last shall be first, is often excised from its context and rehearsed by Christians as a comforting promise. However, when we encounter the familiar phrase within the context of this exchange between Peter and Jesus, its message is quite unsettling. With words of exhaustion and perhaps frustration, Peter reminds Jesus of all he has surrendered for discipleship. Jesus affirms his followers’ sacrifice and promises better things now and a glorious life to come. Yet, accompanying this good news is a significant caveat. Not only must Peter continue to live with the discomforts of social and economic insecurity, but he must also endure ‘persecutions’ he cannot yet fathom. In Jesus’ clear-eyed account of discipleship, the difficulties and comforts of Christian life are bound up together. Our hope for the life to come does not protect us from challenges but spurs us to love our enemies. It does not shield us from God’s difficult calling but encourages us to live humbly and resist what hinders the reign of God today.” This is the call and reality that all of Christ’s disciples face. The Lord simply asks us to give him our all as he gave his all for us. 

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