Matthew 19:30

Monday, 18 May 2026   But many who are first will be last, and the last first. Matthew 19:30   “Many, also, they will be: first, last, and last, first.” (CG)   In the previous verse, Jesus spoke of priorities, noting that those who have left houses, family, etc., for His name’s sake would receive a hundredfold along with eternal life. Having said that, He finishes the chapter, saying, “Many, also, they will be: first, last, and last, first.”   There is a contrast set forth from the previous verse –   29And all, whoever he... 30Many, also, they will be...   The question that needs to be answered is “Who is Jesus referring to?” His words in verse 29 concerned those willing to forsake things now in order to further His kingdom. That was based on the young ruler who went away sorrowful at hearing he was to sell what he had, give it to the poor, and then he would have treasure in heaven.   Because of his departing sorrowfully, Jesus spoke concerning how hard it was to enter the kingdom, using a camel going through the eye of a needle as an example. He then had to explain, after the astonishment of the disciples, that with God, all things are possible. Peter then chimed in and noted they had left everything to follow Jesus.   That is when Jesus noted that the disciples would sit with Him on twelve thrones. He followed that thought up with verse 29. These things are pointing to a truth summed up in this verse, and of which an example will be given to start Chapter 20.   “All” of verse 29 are those who, regardless of their station, give up the things of this life to follow Jesus. “Many” of verse 30 are those who will enter, but who will do so because of various circumstances that have arisen. Based on those circumstances, they will be included, but in a lesser position.   In other words, “last” does not speak of those who are unsaved. That would be to change the categories. Instead, it speaks of those who are within the same category, but for some reason, they are relegated to a lesser position in the process of entering the kingdom. As noted, that will be explained in the parable of Chapter 20. Jesus has another parable in Luke 13 where He will speak of the last and first again. The context will be different, but it is in line with such teachings that help form our understanding of what God is doing in redemptive history.   Life application: Jesus’ use of the last and the first is given to explain how God views our actions toward and interactions with Him. In determining what God approves of, we can then direct our lives toward those things if we are wise and dedicated servants.   In Romans 9-11, Paul speaks of those who strive to earn God’s favor through law observance, thinking this is what God finds acceptable for righteousness. However, exactly the opposite is true. When we set about to earn righteousness, we fashion ourselves into being our own savior.   But we are already in the sea of sin and death. There is no way we can get ourselves out of it. Paul calls the good news of Jesus, the way of getting out of our fallen state, a stumbling stone. What we need is Jesus. This was the point of the law. It was to be an instructional tool to lead Israel to understand their need for Him, but they could not perceive this and rejected the premise.   Paul explains this. Consider his words concerning the last and the first mentioned by Jesus as Chapter 19 closes out –   “What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness of faith; 31 but Israel, pursuing the law of righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness. 32 Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone. 33 As it is written: ‘Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense, And whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.’” Romans 9:30-33   Lord God, may we trust solely in the merits of Jesus Christ our Lord for our salvation. The things we do after that may be good and honorable, but they cannot merit our salvation nor keep us saved. Help us to remember this and to always remain thankful to You for what You have done. It is truly good news! Amen.