The phrase “least in the kingdom of heaven” comes from Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:19, where he says, “Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”
To understand what Jesus meant by being “least” in the kingdom of heaven, we need to examine the context of this statement as well as other biblical teaching about the kingdom of heaven. Here are several key points:
1. The kingdom of heaven refers to God’s rule and reign
The kingdom of heaven is not a physical location but rather God’s spiritual reign and rule over His people (Matthew 3:2). It encompasses all who submit themselves to God’s authority. The kingdom was inaugurated during Jesus’ earthly ministry but will be fully realized when He returns to establish His rule on earth.
2. Entering the kingdom requires humility and childlike faith
Jesus taught that those who humble themselves and come to Him with simple, childlike faith can enter the kingdom. In Matthew 18:4, He said, “Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” A prideful, self-righteous attitude closes the door to God’s kingdom.
3. The “least” are those lacking spiritual maturity and obedience
In Matthew 5:19, Jesus warns that anyone who disregards or disobeys His commands will be called “least.” Though they are citizens of the kingdom, their spiritual condition is lacking. They are least not in terms of value or significance to God, but in terms of spiritual obedience and maturity compared to other kingdom citizens.
4. Degrees of status exist in God’s kingdom
Jesus’ language in Matthew 5:19 indicates degrees of status – some are considered great, others least. One’s position seems to be determined by adherence to Jesus’ teaching and obedience to God’s commands. Spiritual maturity and godly character lead to greater kingdom status.
5. Being “least” does not mean exclusion from the kingdom
Despite their spiritual immaturity, Jesus still considers the “least” to be citizens of the kingdom who have a place before God. Their low status indicates they have much spiritual growth ahead, but they are not excluded entirely if they have entered by faith.
6. God grants rewards according to faithfulness and obedience
In his parables about the kingdom, Jesus often noted that God will grant rewards according to each person’s faithfulness and obedience (Matthew 25:14-30). Our eternal status in heaven is linked to how we lived our life on earth.
7. Low kingdom status should instill humility and repentance
For those who have entered God’s kingdom but are “least,” this status should compel them to spiritual renewal through repentance and greater obedience to Christ. Rather than pride, our response should be humility.
8. Love covers a multitude of sins in God’s kingdom
While obedience leads to greater kingdom status, God’s love still covers those who are considered “least.” As citizens of the kingdom, they are still recipients of God’s mercy and grace. And love for one another should be a mark of all kingdom citizens (John 13:34-35).
In summary, being “least in the kingdom of heaven” refers to those who have entered God’s kingdom by faith yet lack spiritual maturity and obedience to Christ. Though low in status, they are still loved by God and part of His kingdom. Their position should foster humility and a renewed commitment to serving God. Of far greater value than kingdom status is modeling the love of Christ to all.
9. The kingdom of heaven starts small but expands mightily
Jesus used several parables to illustrate that God’s kingdom starts small and unassuming but grows exponentially.
In Matthew 13:31-32, He compared the kingdom of heaven to a mustard seed that grows into a tree so large it provides shelter for the birds of the air. Though the kingdom was inaugurated in seemingly insignificant fashion during Christ’s ministry, it has grown mightily over 2,000 years and continues expanding throughout the earth.
Jesus’ parables of the yeast (Matthew 13:33) and the growing seed (Mark 4:26-29) also emphasize the small beginnings but ultimate prevalence of God’s kingdom. Just as yeast spreads throughout a batch of dough, the gospel message spreads through hearts, lives, and nations.
These parables offer great encouragement to those who feel “least” in status. The kingdom that once seemed so small and hidden will be fully revealed in all its glory when Christ returns, and He promises to reward those who were faithful with what little they had (Matthew 25:14-30).
10. Serving others leads to greatness in God’s kingdom
In God’s upside-down kingdom, we become great by serving others. Jesus said “the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve” (Matthew 20:28). He demonstrated this by washing His disciples feet, a task reserved for servants (John 13:1-17).
Followers of Christ are called to humble themselves and meet the needs of the poor, oppressed, and marginalized. When we do, Jesus takes this as service done for Him (Matthew 25:31-46). Lifting up the “least of these” is true kingdom greatness.
11. The first will be last in God’s kingdom
In Matthew 19:30 and 20:16, Jesus said “many who are first will be last, and many who are last first.” God’s value system is radically different from the world’s. Those first in fame, power, and status in this life may be last in His kingdom. Conversely, those who are last in the eyes of the world will be first before God.
This upending of status means those who feel small and insignificant have hope. God honors and exalts the humble. The last can be first in His kingdom.
12. The kingdom belongs to the poor in spirit
Jesus pronounced a blessing on the “poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3). Those weighted down by spiritual poverty and bankruptcy find fullness and riches in God’s kingdom. His kingdom belongs to those who acknowledge their need for Him.
This contrasts sharply with the self-sufficient and proud. Feeling “least” fosters the humility and dependence on God which grants access to His kingdom.
13. The kingdom exalts the humble
According to Jesus, only those who humble themselves will enter God’s kingdom: “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3).
Just as a child depends completely on their parent, we must depend on God. He promises to exalt the humble who seek Him (James 4:10, 1 Peter 5:6). Low status in this world prepares us for exaltation in God’s kingdom.
14. Kingdom citizens carry a cross of suffering
Jesus exhorted all who follow Him to “take up their cross” – an instrument of suffering and death. Though citizens of His kingdom, believers should expect difficulty and opposition (2 Timothy 3:12).
Carrying a cross is the path to participating in Christ’s sufferings and living sacrificially. Suffering prepares kingdom citizens for glory and likeness to Jesus (Romans 8:17; 1 Peter 4:13).
15. The kingdom triumphs despite opposition
Despite persecution, Christ promised His church would prevail: “…on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18).
No earthly power can destroy the kingdom of heaven. It advances by spiritual rather than military might. Even the “least” kingdom citizens share in Christ’s ultimate triumph.
16. Kingdom citizens carry light in the darkness
The “least” in God’s kingdom still carry the light of Christ in a dark world. Jesus told His followers, “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). Though often obscured by persecution, the light still shines through righteous kingdom citizens.
The “least” testify to God’s love and truth by their righteous living. Their light draws people from darkness into His kingdom.
17. Eternal rewards according to faithfulness
While some may be considered “least” in this life, Jesus promises heavenly rewards to those who faithfully steward what they’ve been given (Matthew 25:14-30). How we live for Christ with our talents, time, and treasures determines our eternal status.
Living for earthly status leads to a “least” position in eternity. But faithfulness leads to eternally great rewards in heaven. Our focus should be on hearing “Well done, good and faithful servant” from Jesus.
18. The first become last; the last become first
Jesus’ kingdom is characterized by a great reversal – “the first will be last and the last will be first” (Matthew 19:30). Status is upended as the humble are exalted and the proud brought low.
This brings hope that those feeling “least” in this life will be first in eternity. Conversely, the greatness of some in this life will be undone in the next. Our eternal status hinges on living for God’s kingdom rather than our own exaltation.
19. Identification with the “least of these”
Jesus closely identifies with the marginalized and overlooked – the sick, poor, persecuted and imprisoned. He said service to “the least of these” is done for Him (Matthew 25:31-46).
Though considered “least” by the world, Jesus treasures and honors them. How we treat the least reflects our love for Christ. Identification with the lowly characterized His earthly ministry.
20. Living sacrifice and selfless service
The road to greatness in God’s kingdom is paved with sacrifice and selfless service. Jesus called His followers to live as “living sacrifices” (Romans 12:1). This often means joyfully serving those considered “least.”
Like Christ, kingdom citizens lay down status and rights to meet the needs of others. We become great by elevating the least through our Christlike servant-heart.
In conclusion, those who feel small and insignificant in this life receive glorious promises as citizens of Christ’s kingdom. His kingdom upends worldly status by exalting the humble and lowly. Though considered “least” by the world’s standards, God fills the empty and exalts the humble. The last become first in the upside-down kingdom that now advances forcefully throughout the earth until the day of His return.