Most likely you have been in a situation while growing up where you were in a group of people who were being selected by rotation. This often occurred when teams were being Chosen.
In those situations the best were Chosen first and the worst were Chosen last. In some situations there were more candidates than positions leaving the worst not being selected at all.
When we talk about best and worst, people sometimes get self-conscious and defensive. This is because we all want to be Chosen. However, depending on athletic ability, size and speed we may not be Chosen.
So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.  Our responsibeness to the call of the Lord determines whether or not we are chosen. |
This verse is very unnerving to many Christians who have experienced not being Chosen in their past. They think that the verse may be referencing Physical qualifications or Performance.
However, Jesus was talking to the Jews when He made this statement. He came solely to the Lost Sheep of the house of Israel. He called them personally and repeatedly to Faith in Him. Yet they rejected Him.
So, Jesus is telling them that even though He has called them, they are not Chosen. Why? Because they were Unworthy of Him by not Believing and Receiving Him.
He is also telling them that though they were called first, they will be last - that the Gentiles will come first to Him and then, in the end, the remnant of Israel will come to Him.
Everyone is called ( ). Those who are Chosen are those who respond positively to being called. They make themselves Worthy of Christ in Honouring Him by Faith.