To understand our text today, it will be helpful for us to see this parable in its context.  The first important thing we note is this:  this parable is part of a conversation Jesus has with his disciples which began back in Matthew 24.  It began with these words, As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. (Matthew 24:3)  This parable was not spoken publicly to all.  It was a private conversation.  It was meant for his disciples’ ears only.

We are the culture of “supersizing.”  Just think of all the things you can “supersize.”  You can supersize your order at the fast food restaurant.  You can supersize the fountain drink you get at the gas station.  Auto makers a while back figured out they needed to “supersize” the cup holders in the vehicles they make so they could accommodate the supersize drinks people were buying.  You can supersize your furniture and supersize your bed and buy an oversize pillow to go on your supersized bed.  Of course, one result of oversizing all our food is the market for oversized clothes.  And finally, if need be, you can purchase a supersized casket.

You have likely all heard the old saying that there are two subjects to avoid when talking to strangers:  religion and politics.  Maybe some of you here can think back on times in your life when you learned that lesson the hard way.  You made a confession of what you as a Christian believe, or you offered your political opinion, and someone said, “Them’s fighting words!”

Paul begins our text by saying, Not that I have already obtained this (v. 12).  What is the “this”?  Knowing the “this” Paul is referring to is key to understanding this text.  If we back up just one verse before our text, Paul says that the goal of having faith in Jesus is the hope that in some way I may arrive at the resurrection from the dead. (Philippians 3:11)  That is Paul’s destination!  That is Paul’s hope!  That is Paul’s arrival point!  The resurrection!

The last will be first, and the first last. (v. 16)  These are the last words of our text for this morning.  So, fittingly, we are going to consider them first.  The last will be first, and the first last.  Just exactly what does that mean?  Many people have puzzled over its meaning.  Bible commentators have written much trying to explain it.  But what really does it mean?