The first shall be last is no monkey business

It may serve as a surprise to many in Christian circles but it is nonetheless true: Jesus was a very sociable, even a “party” kind of guy. I don’t mean that he was involved in things he shouldn’t have been. He was, however, a man who engaged in celebrations -- parties, if you will.

The New Testament substantiates this at several points. His first miracle and the launching of his ministry came during a party. It was the celebration of a wedding, which in Jewish tradition, is generally quite a party.

The religious leaders of Jesus’ day were not so full of fun. (Perhaps like some of today’s religious leaders.) They approached him and asked, “Why is it your disciples don’t fast?” His response in the nomenclature of today was basically, “I’m here! It’s time to celebrate! It’s not time to fast and mourn.”

I say all of this to say, “It’s OK to enjoy a celebration.” To be constantly downcast or consistently serious is not to be equated with spirituality. Certainly there are times to be serious and the tragedies that often surround me in difficult places around the world bring great sorrow, but relationship with Jesus also brings great joy and even laughter.

There was a banquet I attended some time ago that was not so joyful. The Filipino pastors who had gathered were friends. Other leaders who had come were people certainly capable of having a good time. All the elements to a “good time” were in place. There was a notable exception to this found in the form of the cuisine that was offered. Much of what was offered was not only edible but was also quite tasty. There was,  however, a special soup offered that contained the parts of monkeys that only “little boy” monkeys have. (That’s the only decent way I know to say it.)

I was  the guest of honor. This was one time when being the guest of honor, while appreciated, was not desired. I sat the front table and, while surrounded by all the participants of this festive occasion, had to sample all of the food that was to be served.

This tradition is common in parts of the Philippines. In this instance, the fare included the very “special” monkey stew.

With all the grace that surrounded me, I was able to slurp up the soup and swallow without chewing any parts that floated in the solution. I don’t remember the taste. I remember it was not a particularly pleasant experience.

Is there anything spiritual to be learned from this? I would argue -- loudly -- yes! To be in a situation where being the guest of honor was not something to be desired teaches a lesson that Jesus articulated a long time ago.

Jesus said, “The first shall be last and the last shall be first.” It was his warning to us that the push to be noticed or to rise to the top is not a healthy one. This type of selfishness produces jealousy, envy and even bitterness when we don’t get our way or the place we desire.

Later in the New Testament, James talked about this. He said, “Where you find selfish ambition and envy you also will find many other forms of evil.” I have found this to be true, haven’t you?

I’m not claiming to be above the fray here, only acknowledging that I am a player in the same game you are. We are the same. There exists in us this desire to be first and to be on top. Our culture even promotes this attitude and state of being.

Only a vital trust in Jesus and faith in him allows us to break free of this bondage. John the Baptist said it best when he said, “I must decrease in order that he [Jesus] would increase.”

Getting free of ourselves is the most difficult of all entanglements. It is also the basis of life abundant that Jesus promised. Perhaps this is why we know so few who truly possess abundant life.

The next time you hear the lofty expression from the pulpit, “The first shall be last and the last shall be first,” think Monkey Stew.