Do we feel secure because we have the approval of this world? That puts us in a very dangerous position according to the Lord Jesus. We must not measure anything by the world’s measuring rule, because this world’s standards are the opposite of God’s standards, and will be overthrown. The Christian has a new law written on his heart which makes him reevaluate all his previous conclusions about what is good, what is great, what is to be commended.
Hendriksen considers another possible interpretation. He says ‘In view of the fact that Scripture clearly teaches that there are not only degrees of suffering in hell (Luke 12:47, 48) but also degrees of glory in the restored universe (1 Cor. 15:[41]), the possibility must not be excluded that Jesus means that even among those ultimately saved there will be those who were “first” in honour, prestige, etc., here, but who will be “last” in degrees of glory there. Similarly that among those who are ultimately saved there will be those “last” in reputation here, who will be “first” there.’