Why will the first be last, and the last first?

[Deep Truth]

In the parable of the vineyard workers the denarius that was paid to each laborer whether he worked the full day or the last hour, is symbolic for God's gift of salvation for each saint no matter how long they've been working for Jesus, Matthew 20:1-16.

When evening came the owner of the vineyard said to the foreman, pay the laborers their wages, beginning with the last who were hired, up to to the first.

But when those who were hired first came to be paid they thought they should receive more, but each of them received a denarius.

The laborers who worked the full day grumbled at the master of the house saying, 'These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.' But he replied to one of them, 'Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?' So the last will be first, and the first last."

In Mark 10:29-31, Jesus speaks of those who will be rewarded for their work in sharing the gospel, and once again the Lord says, But many who are first will be last, and the last first.

Mark 10:29-31 Jesus said, "Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, (30) who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life. (31) But many who are first will be last, and the last first."

The disciples discussed who was the greatest among them?​

The vineyard workers who worked the full day that grumbled and expected to be paid more than those who were hired last, is similar to the disciples who argued with one another about who was the greatest. But Jesus said to them, "If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all." Mark 9:33-35.

​

Jesus statement to his disciples about being last of all and servant of all to be first, and the vineyard workers who were hired last that were the first to be paid at evening, implies the saints who are last of all and servant of all that humbly share the gospel through love and gratitude, will be the first to be raptured into eternal life when the evening darkness of the tribulation is drawing near.

While the self-righteous saints who grumble and think they are greater than other saints, will be last to be raptured to heaven since the Lord resists the proud but gives grace to the humble, James 4:3-10.

Seek righteousness, seek humility​

In Zeph 2:3, The Lord emphasizes that his saints who do his just commands need to seek him in righteousness and humility as last of all and servant of all, and perhaps they may be hidden on the day of the Lord's anger when the tribulation begins, Rev 3:10.

Zephaniah 2:3 Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, who do his just commands; seek righteousness; seek humility; perhaps you may be hidden on the day of the anger of the LORD.

Two different narrow doors,
The door to salvation and the door to the heavenly banquet​

In Matthew 7:13-14, entering through the first narrow door to salvation and eternal life is by faith in Jesus death on the cross for our sins and his resurrection after three days, John 10:9, Romans 10:8-10.

​

While striving to enter the second narrow door to the feast of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is a conditional reward for the sanctified saints who are last of all and servant of all, when Jesus returns to rapture his humble bride that has made herself ready by her righteous deeds when the tribulation begins at the end of the age, Revelation 19:7-8.
​

​

Revelation 3:10-11 Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world (in the tribulation), to try those who dwell on the earth. (11) I am coming soon. Hold fast to what you have, so that no one may seize your crown (of rewards that you will receive at the banquet in heaven).

At the feast of Abraham in heaven
the last will be first and the first will be last​

Luke 13:23-24, 30 And someone said to him, "Lord, will those who are saved be few?" And he said to them, (24) "Strive to enter through the narrow door (by being humble and last). For many (saints who think they are first) I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. (25) When once the master of the house has risen and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, 'Lord, open to us,' then he will answer you, 'I do not know where you come from' (26) Then you will begin to say, 'We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.' (27) But he will say, 'I tell you, I do not know where you come from. Depart from me, all you (self-righteous) workers of evil!' (28) In that place (in the tribulation) there will be weeping (and repentance by the self-righteous saints) and gnashing of teeth (as the wicked persecute them), when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God but you yourselves cast out. (29) And people will come from east and west, and from north and south, and recline at table in the kingdom of God. (30) And behold, some are last (and humble) who will be first (to be raptured), and some are first (and prideful) who will be last (to be raptured)."

The word strive in Greek is agōnízomai, which means to contend for a prize, struggle. Agōnízomai comes from the word agṓn, that's defined as struggling in an intense athletic contest or warfare.

In Luke 13:24, Striving to enter the narrow door is not speaking about the door of salvation through faith in Jesus, instead this scripture in context is referring to the narrow door to the feast of Abraham, which is a heavenly prize for those saints who strive to keep their evil flesh under control so they can follow Jesus as last of all and servant of all, Luke 13:30.

1 Corinthians 9:26-27 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. (27) But I discipline my body and (strive to) keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

Philippians 3:14 I press on (strive) toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Below are several examples for agōnízomai in scripture.

1 Corinthians 9:25-27 (25) Every athlete exercises (agōnízomai) self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable crown, but we an imperishable crown. (26) So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. (27) But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

1 Timothy 6:12 Fight (agōnízomai) the good fight of the faith....

2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought (agōnízomai) the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Colossians 1:29 For this I toil, struggling (agōnízomai) with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.

The last who will be first to be raptured to the feast of Abraham are the saints who strive to die daily to their sinful flesh and have matured into a humble servant of all through total dependence on the Spirit's power, Luke 13:30.

While the first that will be last to be raptured are the self-righteous saints who think they are first and greatest, that will be cast into tribulation's darkness where they will be disciplined and “weep tears” of repentance, as the wicked “gnash their teeth” in hatred for the disobedient church, see Mat 13:41-43.

Psalms 37:12-13 The wicked plots against the righteous and gnashes his teeth at him, (13) but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he sees that his day (of wrath) is coming.

Matthew 13:41-43 The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom (of saints) all causes of sin and all law-breakers (1 Cor 5:5, 1 Tim 1:20), (42) and throw them into the fiery furnace (of the tribulation). In that place there will be weeping (by the prideful saints) and gnashing of teeth (as the wicked persecute them). (43) Then the righteous will (repent of their pride and) shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father (at the feast of Abraham). He who has ears, let him hear (what the Spirit is saying).

Eido, to observe externally​

When Jesus said, “I do not know where you come from” to those who were locked out of the feast of Abraham in Luke 13:25 and 27, the word “know” (eido) is the same word when Jesus said “I don't know you" to the 5 foolish virgins, Mat 25:12.

The Greek word eido (know) means to observe someone outwardly to perceive and inward reality.

Jesus is saying to his prideful saints who outwardly appear as they are first and greatest, that he doesn't know them inwardly as his humble bride.

Therefore the prideful saints who think they are first will be last to be raptured to the feast of Abraham, when the Lord returns in the second or third watch of tribulation's darkness for those saints who've repented of their self-righteousness and have their lamps burning again for Christ, Luke 12:35-40, Revelation 16:15.

Jesus returns from the banquet
for his saints in the second or third watch of the night​

Luke 12:35-40 "Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, (36) and be like men who are waiting for their master to return from the wedding feast (in heaven), so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks. (37) Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them. (38) If he comes in the second watch, or in the third (watch of tribulation's darkness), and finds them awake (with their lamps burning for Christ), blessed are those servants! (39) But know this, that if the master of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house (and heart) to be broken into (by his sinful desires). (40) You also must be ready (with your lamps burning for Christ, Mat 5:14-16), for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect."

Each in his own order​

1 Corinthians 15:22-23 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. (23) But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ.

The phrase each in his own order (tagma) means troops according to their rank, which implies Christian's will be raptured at different times according to their rank as a faithful soldier for Christ.

This order for the rapture of the saints by their spiritual rank is revealed by the centurion with great faith who will be at the feast of Abraham, while the sons of the kingdom (the disobedient saints) are cast into the outer darkness of the tribulation, Mat 8:5-12.

In 2 Kings 11:4, the story of the commanders of a hundred (centurions) that were brought into the the temple of the Lord to see the king's son in the 7th year, is prophetic for the faithful saints (centurions with great faith) that will be raptured to the feast of Abraham just before the tribulation begins in the 7th millennium.

2 Kings 11:4 In the seventh year (in the 7th millennium when tribulation begins) Jehoiada sent for the commanders of units of a hundred (centurions), the Carites and the guards and had them brought to him (raptured) at the temple of the Lord (in heaven). He made a covenant with them and put them under oath at the temple of the Lord. Then he showed them the king’s son (Jesus).

In Amos 7:1, the harvest of the king's share that was followed by the latter crop that was coming up when the swarms of locusts were near, is a prophetic picture for the for the pre-trib rapture of the first-fruit saints (the king's share) that will be followed by the latter harvest (or crop) of the tribulation saints, Rev 7:13-14, 14:15-16.

Amos 7:1 This is what the Sovereign Lord showed me: He was preparing swarms of locusts (tribulation judgment) after the king’s share had been harvested (pre-trib rapture of the first fruit saints) and just as the late crops (of tribulation saints) were coming up (and beginning to grow), James 1:18.

Do not sit yourself in a place of honor at a banquet or you may be humbled​

Luke 14:7-11 Now he told a parable to those who were invited, when he noticed how they chose the places of honor, saying to them, (8) "When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast (in heaven), do not sit down in a place of honor (as first and greatest), lest someone more distinguished than you be invited by him, (9) and he who invited you both will come and say to you, 'Give your place to this person,' and then you will begin with shame to take the lowest place. (10) But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place (with humility as last of all and servant of all), so that when your host (Jesus) comes he may say to you, 'Friend, move up higher.' Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you. (11) For everyone who (pridefully) exalts himself (as first) will be humbled, and he who humbles himself (as last) will be exalted."

Proverbs 25:6-7 Do not exalt yourself in the king's presence or stand in the place of the great, (7) for it is better to be told, "Come up here," than for him to humiliate you before his nobles.

1 Samuel 2:7-9 The LORD makes poor and makes rich; he brings low and he exalts. (8) He raises up the poor (in spirit) from the dust; he lifts the needy from the ash heap to make them sit with princes and inherit a seat of honor. For the pillars of the earth are the LORD's, and on them he has set the world. (9) "He will guard the feet of his faithful ones, but the wicked shall be cut off in darkness, for not by might shall a man prevail.

Proverbs 29:23 One's pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly (and poor) in spirit will obtain honor.

Proverbs 27:2 Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.

1 John 2:28 And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming.

In the following articles I discuss the mystery of the soon coming rapture of the saints.
Will you be raptured in the first, second or third watch of the night?
Why are many called to the wedding banquet but few are chosen?
Who are the sons of the kingdom cast into outer darkness?

In these articles I examine the scriptures that seem to be pointing to the years of 2031 to 2038 for the tribulation.
Is the year when the tribulation ends written in scripture?
Part 2, 2 days, 7th hour, 38
Part 3, 2-38
Part 4, Gen 14:14, 17:17, Ex 7:7, John 5:5
Part 5, Psalms 83 & 90

 

[Sabertooth]

Servant Of All, Maranatha! Singer (1976)

 

[Spiritual Jew]

In the parable of the vineyard workers the denarius that was paid to each laborer whether he worked the full day or the last hour, is symbolic for God's salvation by grace for every saint no matter how long they've been working for Jesus, Matthew 20:1-16.

View attachment 299119​

When evening came the owner of the vineyard said to the foreman pay the laborers their wages, beginning with the last who were hired, up to to the first.

View attachment 299120​

But when those who were hired first came to be paid they thought they should receive more, but each of them received a denarius.

View attachment 299121​

The laborers who worked the full day grumbled at the master of the house saying, 'These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.' But he replied to one of them, 'Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?' So the last will be first, and the first last."

In Mark 10:29-31, Jesus speaks of the saints who work for his sake and the gospel that will receive the gift of eternal life by God's grace (a denarius). And once again the Lord says, But many who are first will be last, and the last first.

Jesus mysterious statement about “the first who will be last” reveals there is a specific order for when each saint will receive his gift of eternal life.

Who is the greatest?​

The vineyard workers who worked the full day that grumbled and expected to be paid more than those who were hired last, is similar to the disciples who argued with one another about who was the greatest. But Jesus said to them, "If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all." Mark 9:33-35.

View attachment 299122
​

Jesus statement to the disciples about being last of all and servant of all, and the peculiar order of the vineyard workers hired last who were the first to be paid at evening, implies the saints who are last and servant of all that humbly share the gospel through love and gratitude, will be the first to be raptured and inherit eternal life when the darkness of the tribulation is drawing near.

While the self-righteous, prideful and grumbling saints who think they are greater and deserve more than other saints, will be the last to receive eternal life by God's grace (a denarious).

Seek righteousness, seek humility​

In Zeph 2:3, The Lord emphasizes that his saints who do his just commands need to seek him in righteousness and humility, and perhaps they may be hidden on the day of the Lord's anger, Revelation 3:10.

Zeph 2:3 Seek the LORD, all you humble (saints) of the land, who do his just commands; seek righteousness; seek humility; perhaps you may be hidden on the day of the anger of the LORD (in the tribulation).

Hand this immoral saint over to Satan
for the destruction of the flesh so the spirit may be saved​

But the saints who are filled with pride and self-righteousness, or willfully live in sin like the sexually immoral man in 1 Cor 5:1-5, will be handed over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh so the spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord in the tribulation.

1 Cor 5:5 you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord.

This immoral carnal Corinthian saint who was handed over to Satan to be disciplined, is a prophetic example for the “sons of the kingdom” who are law-breakers and have insulted the Spirit of grace, that will be left behind in the tribulation to be disciplined by the Lord so they will repent of their sin, Hebrews 12:3-11.

Jesus will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin​

In the parable of the wheat and the tares its important to recognize that Jesus said he will gather out his kingdom of saints all causes of sin and all law-breakers at the end of the age, when they will be thrown into the refining furnace of the tribulation where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the repentant “sons of the kingdom” will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.

Matthew 13:41-43 The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom (of saints) all causes of sin and all law-breakers, (42) and throw them into the (refining) fiery furnace (of tribulation). In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (43) Then the righteous (“the good seed” will repent and be refined like silver and) will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear (what the Spirit is saying).

The refining furnace of affliction in Jerusalem​

Isaiah 48:10-11 Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tried you in the furnace of affliction. (11) For my own sake, for my own sake, I do it, for how should my name be profaned? My glory I will not give to another.

Isaiah 31:9 His rock shall pass away in terror, and his officers desert the standard in panic," declares the LORD, whose fire is in Zion, and whose furnace is in Jerusalem.

The centurion with great faith​

In Mat 8:5-13, The centurion with great faith is prophetic for those who are humble and last that will be first at the banquet with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. While the “sons of the kingdom” who are cast into outer darkness represent the lukewarm church and foolish virgins at the end of the age who will be left behind in the darkness of tribulation that will be last to inherit eternal life.

The day of the Lord is thick darkness​

Zephaniah 1:14-15 The great day of the LORD is near, near and hastening fast; the sound of the day of the LORD is bitter; the mighty man cries aloud there. (15) A day of wrath is that day, a day of distress and anguish, a day of ruin and devastation, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and thick darkness,

View attachment 299123

The harvest begins at the end of the age​

In Matthew 8:5-13, its important to understand the time-frame when the “sons of the kingdom” will be cast into the outer darkness is when the feast of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is about to begin when Jesus returns to rapture his saints.

And Jesus confirms this time-frame when he reveals the good seed are the “sons of the kingdom” and the tares are the sons of the evil one when the harvest begins at the end of the age, Mat 13:38-39.

However just as Peter was blinded by his own reasoning when he rebuked Jesus for saying he would be killed and rise after three days, the Laodicean church today is blinded since they believe they are rich and prospered and in need of nothing, however they are deceived and do not recognize Jesus warning in scripture to be ready and sanctified for the Bridegrooms sudden return when he will rapture his humble and mature bride.

Revelation 3:17-18 For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. (18) I counsel you to buy from me gold (the pure Word of God) refined by fire (in the tribulation), so that you may be rich, and white (spotless wedding) garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your (sin and) nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see (and know me as a mature and faithful bride).

Mat 24:43-44 But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. (44) Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

View attachment 299124

Enter the banquet through the narrow door​

In Luke 13:22-30, Entering through the narrow door to the feast of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob speaks of entering the wedding banquet through faith, love and obedience to Jesus in humble and total dependence on the Spirit's strength and power, Rev 3:7-11.

Luke 13:23-30 And someone said to him, "Lord, will those who are saved be few?" And he said to them, (24) "Strive to enter through the narrow door (to the banquet by following Jesus). For many (in the church), I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. (25) When once the master of the house has risen and shut the door, and you (foolish virgins) begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, 'Lord, open to us,' then he will answer you, 'I do not know where you come from.' (26) Then you will begin to say, 'We ate and drank in your presence (in church), and you taught in our streets.' (27) But he will say, 'I tell you, I do not know where you come from. Depart from me, all you workers of evil!' (28) In that place there will be weeping (by the saints in the tribulation) and gnashing of teeth (as the wicked hate and persecute the lukewarm church), when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God but you yourselves cast out (of the wedding banquet). (29) And people will come from east and west, and from north and south, and recline at table in the kingdom of God. (30) And behold, some are last (and servant of all) who will be first (in the kingdom), and some are first who will be last (to inherit eternal life by grace)."

Eido, to see completely​

The word know in Luke 13:25 and 27 is the same word when Jesus told the 5 foolish virgins I don't know you, Mat 25:12. The Greek word for know is eido, which means to see completely and perfectly. Jesus is saying to these saints who do evil that he does not know them as his complete and perfect bride because they are chasing after their sinful desires.

In the Song of Solomon God compares his worldly immature saints who are like the little sister with no breasts and is not ready for her wedding day, to the faithful saints who are the mature bride of Christ that's symbolized by her fully grown breasts.

Song of Solomon.8:8-10 We have a little sister (the immature saints), and she has no breasts: what shall we do for our sister on the (wedding) day when she is spoken for? (9) If she is a wall (a fortress against the enemy), we will build upon her a palace of silver (blessing): and if she be a door (open to sin), we will barricade her with boards of cedar (to be disciplined). (10) I am a wall, (says the mature bride of Christ) and my (spiritual) breasts (of faith and love) are like towers: then I became in his eyes as one who finds peace.

In Eph 6:14 the breastplate of armor represents righteousness. And in 1 Thess 5:8, Paul says put on the breastplate of faith and love.

The two spiritual breasts of the mature bride of Christ is walking with Jesus in faith and love which represents righteousness. And this is why Paul told the mature Thessalonian church they would be found worthy on the day of the Lord because their faith is growing and their love for one another is increasing, 2 Thess 1:3-5.

Luke 21:36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy (walking in faith and love) to escape all these things that shall come to pass (in the tribulation), and to stand (as a mature bride) before the Son of man (at the wedding banquet).

You obviously believe in a pre-trib rapture. You quoted this passage in support of your view:

Mat 24:43-44 But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. (44) Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

How can you use this passage to support a pre-trib rapture? Jesus made it quite clear as to when He is coming in relation to the time of tribulation that you try to say people will be left behind to experience.

Matthew 24:29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: 30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

This clearly describes Jesus as coming "after the tribulation of those days", not before. Clearly, the coming of the Son of Man mentioned in Matthew 24:44 is the same coming of the Son of man mentioned in Matthew 24:30.

You also referenced this passage:

Matthew 13:40 “As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. 42 They will throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let them hear.

Jesus is coming at the end of the age (Matt 24:3). And, again, His coming will be "after the tribulation of those days". The weeds (tares) do not represent lukewarm Christians who need to be refined in the fire. Jesus explained who they represent here:

Matthew 13:36 Then he left the crowd and went into the house. His disciples came to him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.” 37 He answered, “The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. 38 The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the people of the kingdom. The weeds are the people of the evil one, 39 and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels.

The good seed (wheat) represent "the people of the kingdom" and the weeds (tares) represent "the people of the evil one". All people are either saved or lost. All people are either with Christ or against Him (Matt 12:30). So, the good seed (wheat) represent the saved who are with Christ and the weeds (tares) represent the lost who are against Christ.

The weeds (tares) are not thrown into the fire to be refined, they are thrown into the fire as punishment for not believing when they had the chance. They are those whose names are not written in the book of life and the fire they are thrown into is the lake of fire (Rev 20:15). When Christ comes it will be too late for anyone to be refined through the fire. Today (now) is the day of salvation (2 Cor 6:2).

 

[Deep Truth]

You obviously believe in a pre-trib rapture. You quoted this passage in support of your view:

Mat 24:43-44 But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. (44) Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

How can you use this passage to support a pre-trib rapture? Jesus made it quite clear as to when He is coming in relation to the time of tribulation that you try to say people will be left behind to experience.

Matthew 24:29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: 30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

This clearly describes Jesus as coming "after the tribulation of those days", not before. Clearly, the coming of the Son of Man mentioned in Matthew 24:44 is the same coming of the Son of man mentioned in Matthew 24:30.

You also referenced this passage:

Matthew 13:40 “As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. 42 They will throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let them hear.

Jesus is coming at the end of the age (Matt 24:3). And, again, His coming will be "after the tribulation of those days". The weeds (tares) do not represent lukewarm Christians who need to be refined in the fire. Jesus explained who they represent here:

Matthew 13:36 Then he left the crowd and went into the house. His disciples came to him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.” 37 He answered, “The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. 38 The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the people of the kingdom. The weeds are the people of the evil one, 39 and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels.

The good seed (wheat) represent "the people of the kingdom" and the weeds (tares) represent "the people of the evil one". All people are either saved or lost. All people are either with Christ or against Him (Matt 12:30). So, the good seed (wheat) represent the saved who are with Christ and the weeds (tares) represent the lost who are against Christ.

The weeds (tares) are not thrown into the fire to be refined, they are thrown into the fire as punishment for not believing when they had the chance. They are those whose names are not written in the book of life and the fire they are thrown into is the lake of fire (Rev 20:15). When Christ comes it will be too late for anyone to be refined through the fire. Today (now) is the day of salvation (2 Cor 6:2).

Spiritual Jew,
Israel had two harvests, the first fruits of barley and later in the summer was the main wheat harvest.

The spring barley harvest is symbolic for the wise virgins who go to the wedding banquet, while the main wheat harvest in summer represents the foolish virgins that will be harvested after 2 years of tribulation, or as Jesus said after the tribulation of those days.

Then the wrath of God begins for unbelieving mankind in the last 5 years of tribulation, represented by the stars that fell to earth which is symbolic for Satan and the demons who are cast down to earth.

Joseph who revealed himself to his 11 brothers after 2 year of famine in Egypt is prophetic for when when Jesus reveals himself to the 12 tribes to take the gospel to Israel (Rev 7:1-8) after 2 years of tribulation when the full number of saints have been in killed in Rev 6.

When Joseph revealed himself to his brothers he said there will be 5 more years of famine without plowing or harvest, which is symbolic for 5 years of tribulation wrath with no plowing or harvest of the gospel for unbelieving mankind who rejected Jesus salvation.

Therefore it appears there will be 2 years of tribulation for the lukewarm church, the foolish virgins. And after the tribulation of the saints in those days when the full number of Gentiles have come into the kingdom, the partial hardening for Israel will end when the 12 tribes will preach the gospel to Israel during 5 years of God's wrath for the wicked.

The tribulation begins in the 7th millennium 1st day from Adam. This time-frame for the tribulation is also represented by the Feast of Trumpets that begins in the 7th month 1st day for Israel.

Now in Amos 7:1 it says, The Sovereign LORD showed me a vision. I saw him preparing to send a vast swarm of locusts over the land. This was after the king’s share had been harvested (the wise virgins) from the fields and as the main crop was coming up (the foolish virgins). (New Living Translation)

The Kings share is the barley harvest which is symbolic for the wise virgins who are harvested or raptured as the tribulation begins in the 7th millennium 1st day, and this is represented by Amos 7:1.

The main crop or wheat crop that was coming up as the swarms of locust came on the land is the foolish virgins that will enter the beginning two years of tribulation when they will be persecuted and put to death. Then after the tribulation of the saints in those days 5 years of God's wrath will begin for wicked mankind with no plowing or harvest.

Also the Bridegroom comes at midnight for the 5 wise virgins. The first watch of the night is from sunset to midnight which is symbolic for a time of spiritual darkness near the beginning of the tribulation.

Then in Luke 12 Jesus returns from the wedding feast for those saints who have their lamps burning in the second or third watch, which represents the foolish virgins who are still alive and are left after two years of tribulation.

There are 3 stories in scripture that speak of these 3 watches of the night that are symbolic for the different periods of the tribulation.

Luke 12:35-38 "Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning (foolish virgins), (36) and be like men who are waiting for their master to return from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks. (37) Blessed are those servants (foolish virgins) whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them. (38) If he comes in the second watch, or in the third, and finds them awake, blessed are those servants!

Noah also entered the ark 7 days before the flood which is a type for a pre-trib rapture. And this is mentioned in Genesis 7:1 that also represents the 7th millennium 1st day when the tribulation will begin.

The end of the Feast of trumpets is the 7th month 10th day when everyone is written in the book of the wicked or the book of the righteous at the end of the tribulation. And this is represented by Genesis 7:10 when the flood waters came on earth and destroy wicked mankind. And also in Esther 7:10 when Haman is hung.

So I agree it will be after the tribulation of the saints in those days when the Lord will come for his immature saints who missed the rapture of the 5 wise virgins. However this is just one small scriptural piece of a larger prophetic puzzle that needs to be revealed to understand what Jesus is saying.

Also its unclear what will happen to the church of Philadelphia that's protected from the hour of trial coming on the world. Does this represent a pre-trib rapture of the wise virgins, or does this mean they will be protected during the first two years of tribulation and then taken up to heaven when Jesus comes just before the wrath of God begins? There are a lot of mysteries in scripture that will be solved when Jesus returns for his saints.

One interesting possible prophetic story is Phillip who was baptizing the Ethiopian and then was bodily caught up to Azotus and preached the gospel to all cities until coming to Caesarea which is named after Caesar, a type for the antichrist.

Could Phillip's story be symbolic for the wise virgins who are raptured and then return to preach the gospel to all cities in the first two years of tribulation, Revelation 14:6-7? Who knows for sure what will happen.

In the following articles I examine the scriptures that seem to be pointing to the approximate time-frame for the tribulation.
Is the year when the tribulation ends written in scripture?
Part 2, 2 days, 7th hour, 38
Part 3, 2-38
Part 4, Gen 14:14, 17:17, Ex 7:7, John 5:5
Part 5, Psalms 83 & 90
Part 6, Isaac's birth from Sarah at 90
Part 7, Isaac's birth from Sarah at 90

The Ominous Sign of Four Blood Moons in 2032 and 2033
Four Blood Moons in 2032 and 2033 Part 2, 85 Priests are put to death
Israel's Second Passover will be fulfilled in the last year of the Tribulation

Is Jonah's warning for Nineveh prophetic for today's wicked generation?
Is Jonah's warning for Nineveh prophetic for today's wicked generation? Part 2

Will brutal Taskmasters oppress mankind before the Tribulation begins?
A 7 year end-time harvest of saints will precede God's wrath

Joseph in prison "two whole years" is prophetic for a 2,000 year gospel age
21 possible examples for a 2,000 year gospel age

Rachel after 7 years of barrenness gave birth to Joseph when Jacob was 90
The 12 sons of Jacob, symbolic for Old and New Covenant Israel

4 Prophetic stories reveal a 2,000 year gospel age followed by the tribulation
The Tabernacle reveals the age of the Law, the age of Grace and the Millennium

Why did God want to kill Moses when he lodged on his way to set Israel free from slavery to Pharaoh?
Why did the blind man see men like trees walking when Jesus touched him?

Why was Jacob called Israel when he struggled with God?
When will unrighteous Jacob be called Israel?

Why is the Feast of Trumpets in the 7th month 1st day to the 10th day?
What does the disciples catch of 153 fish represent?

Netflix cartoon encourages people to get the Smart Mark

In these articles I discuss the mystery of the soon coming rapture of the saints.
Will you be raptured to the feast of Abraham or left behind in Sodom?

Will you be raptured in the first, second or third watch of the night?
Why will the first be last, and the last first?
Why are many called to the wedding banquet but few are chosen?
Who are the sons of the kingdom cast into outer darkness?

 

[vinsight4u]

The wise virgins and foolish are not in a story about the great
tribulation ----but the end of the world. The foolish ones -the door
is shut - and they will be going to the lake of fire.

Step back into the end of Matthew 24 as that is the same
timing for chapter 25.

Then......