Last Ones First

Jesus’ lessons on living went against the grain. The religious figures of His time, in a culture where Judaism led every facet of society, were confounded by Jesus’ teachings. The rabbis followed strict rules, where Jesus instead broke many of them. They asked Jesus pointed questions, and He responded with even more pointed questions. They separated themselves from common people—sinners—where Jesus embraced them, had dinner with them, and talked to them on their level. In a highly religious society, Jesus was a study in contradictions.

So too was Jesus’ teaching on leadership. The society of His time was keen to climb a social and religious ladder to attain a position of authority and respect. Jesus taught, however, that in His kingdom, “So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen” (Matthew 20:16). And later, “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).

Jesus teaches that the pursuit of leadership is not one of position, but rather one of influence. In a race to the top of the hill you will have many competitors. In the race to be the chief servant of all you will likely have the road ahead all to yourself. Influential leadership grows out of meaningful relationships with those around us. Jesus teaches that it is through serving that we become the leaders that God intended. This was another contradiction for His time. Servants were among the lowest groups on the social scale. Only slaves had a lesser status. Slaves were owned and servants were paid, but both did similar tasks. For Jesus to equate Himself and leaders in general to servants was practically scandalous. How could being last possibly teach one how to be first?

Last at the table. Leadership guru Simon Sinek wrote a book entitled Leaders Eat Last. He wrote that “The true price of leadership is the willingness to place the needs of others above your own. Great leaders truly care about those they are privileged to lead and understand that the true cost of the leadership privilege comes at the expense of self-interest.” The practical way to put others first is to let them be first to the table, first to the opportunity, first to the reward, first to the promotion. When a leader in a high position lowers himself by letting others be first, it sends a powerful message that their own interests are not as important and the interests of those they serve. As a leader, are you content to be last so that others have the pleasure and privilege of being first?

Last in the credits. After a movie concludes, the credit roll. The actors and directors appear first. Then the assistants, and the musicians and the producers. Then the sometimes miles-long list of people who helped to make the film. The persons who spent the most hours, gave the most effort, are rarely at the top of the list. A servant leader defers the credit to others, allowing them to receive the accolades. Giving credit is a means of encouragement. It shows a desire for others to succeed in life and work. One way a leader shows gratitude to those around him is to give others credit for their work product, ideas and commitment. It shows a certain confidence in leadership when you look at credit as a tool for growing relationships versus something you should claim for your personal trophy shelf. As a leader, do you view credit as more helpful to others than to yourself?

Last on the totem pole. The indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest sometimes created totem poles from wood, featuring images of people and animals. The totem poles didn’t tell stories, but they did depict kinship—a visual representation of clans, tribes or families. The top carving on the pole represents the most important figure in the group. The carvings at the bottom are the least important, yet they hold up the entire pole. A leader’s attitude of being last on the totem pole in order to hold together the entire enterprise is a powerful illustration of the first being last. As a leader, can you be satisfied to not be seen but still be important?

Jesus preached “first is last”because He wants His disciples to develop an attitude of humility and obedience to God’s commands. He also wants His disciples to grow in their recognition of the poor and marginalized. Being last as a leader helps us to extend grace and forgiveness to those who need it, because we become more interested in their condition than in our own reward. Jesus reminds us too that we will indeed be rewarded. When He taught, “So the last shall be first, and the first last,” He was giving a picture of heaven, where those who pursue humility now will receive God’s riches in eternity.