'It's not a matter of one-up-manship', Jesus told his disciples. 'The hierarchy in my kingdom is that the first shall be last. You have to become like a little child before you can enter the kingdom.'
You can't lord it over anyone. You can't beg forgiveness and withhold forgiveness at the same time. The ones who give up everything to follow Jesus will receive a hundred times as much as those who stay home and build up their wealth. There is no earning a place in the kingdom. The first will be last and the last will be first. Furthermore, even keeping the commandments is not enough, as Jesus told the rich young ruler.
Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."
When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.
Then Jesus said to his disciples, "I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." - Matt. 19:21-24 NIV
The kingdom of heaven does not belong to the rich and powerful, it doesn't belong to the most intelligent, the most attractive or charismatic. It belongs to those who recognize their need, their inability to do anything without God's power. It belongs to those with childlike faith, with a forgiving spirit, with a servant's heart.
Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." - Matt. 20:25-28 NIV
Those who would really follow Jesus must give up everything. They must follow his example. Jesus did not come to be served, but to save.
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