But many who are first will be last, and the last first.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This isn't just a simple statement about reversals; it's a powerful insight into God's perspective versus ours. Jesus is hinting that human estimations of importance – like seniority or outward achievement – don't dictate heavenly value, and a profound reordering is coming.
But many who are first will be last, and the last first.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This statement comes directly after Peter asks Jesus what the disciples will receive for leaving everything to follow Him, and Jesus promises them great rewards in the coming kingdom. Jesus is responding to the disciples' assumption that their early commitment guarantees them the highest positions, turning their focus from earthly status to God’s surprising evaluation. This profound truth sets the stage for the parable in the following chapter, which will further illustrate how God’s perspective on who is "first" and "last" often reverses human expectations.
We naturally think in terms of seniority and status. But does God see things the same way?
Jesus drops a bombshell here: the 'first' people – those who think they're ahead, perhaps due to their status, early start, or perceived righteousness – might end up being 'last' in God's kingdom. Conversely, those who seem 'last' – the overlooked, the latecomers, those who might even be judged by others – can find themselves 'first.' This isn't about mere order; it's about a radical re-evaluation of who truly holds value in God's eyes.
This saying often follows discussions about wealth and discipleship. The rich young ruler, though outwardly impressive, was 'last' because he couldn't let go of his possessions. The disciples, who had left everything, might have felt 'first,' but Jesus warns them against pride, suggesting their position isn't guaranteed based on their initial sacrifice.
Think about it: Are we prioritizing outward appearances or inner transformation? Are we looking down on those who seem less spiritual or less successful, forgetting that God's perspective is entirely different?
Why does Jesus say this? Is it a threat, or a promise?
Jesus uses this powerful, paradoxical statement as a bridge to the parable that follows in Matthew 20. It serves a dual purpose: as a warning and as a source of hope.
As a Warning: It cautions against spiritual arrogance and complacency. Those who have been believers longest, or who have made significant sacrifices, can become self-satisfied. They might feel entitled to a higher place and look down on newer believers, forgetting that their standing with God is not based on merit alone but on His grace and their continued faithfulness.
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As Hope: For those who feel marginalized, overlooked, or who come to faith later in life, this is incredibly encouraging! It means that God's grace is abundant and His kingdom is not exclusively for the 'elite' or the 'early adopters.' It assures us that sincere faith and humble service, regardless of when they begin or how visible they are, are deeply valued by God.
This saying prevents us from judging others based on their 'rank' within the faith community and reminds us that God's assessment is the only one that truly matters.
This saying directly addresses the disciples' own question about their sacrifices and the rewards they would receive. It serves as both a comfort and a warning, reminding them that God's perspective on value and reward is vastly different from human perception, a truth vividly illustrated by the parable that follows and later fulfilled as the Gentile nations, once considered 'last', became a major part of God's people.
c. 27-30 AD— this verse
Jesus' Ministry and Discipleship
Jesus calls his first disciples, including Peter, James, and John, who leave their fishing businesses to follow him. This marks the beginning of their close association with Jesus.
c. 30 AD
The Rich Young Man Test
A wealthy young man asks Jesus how to gain eternal life. Jesus tells him to sell his possessions and follow him, but the man goes away sad, unwilling to give up his wealth.
c. 30 AD
Jesus Teaches on Riches and the Kingdom
Following the encounter with the rich young man, Jesus remarks on how difficult it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God. This prompts Peter's question about their own sacrifices.
c. 30 AD
Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard
Jesus tells a parable about a landowner who hires laborers at different times of the day, paying them all the same wage, to illustrate the principle that God's generosity is not bound by human expectations of fairness.
c. 30 AD
Jesus Predicts His Death and Resurrection
Jesus predicts his suffering, death, and resurrection for the third time, which his disciples still struggle to fully comprehend.
c. 33 AD
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
Jesus is crucified and then resurrected, validating his teachings and the promises made to his followers.
c. 40s-60s AD
Early Church Growth and Inclusion of Gentiles
The gospel spreads beyond Jewish people to the Gentiles, challenging existing social and religious hierarchies and fulfilling Jesus' prophecy about the 'last' becoming 'first'.
This verse is explicitly linked to Matthew 19:30 in many commentaries and is the immediate parable Jesus tells to illustrate this very point about the reversal of expectations regarding status and reward.
Luke 13:30This passage presents a similar proverb about the reversal of status in the Kingdom of God, highlighting that the order of people in human estimation will not be the order in God's.
Romans 9:30-31This passage discusses how Gentiles, who were not pursuing righteousness, found it, while Israel, who pursued the law, did not, illustrating a similar theme of the 'last' (Gentiles) becoming 'first' and the 'first' (Israel) becoming 'last'.
1 Corinthians 1:27-29This passage emphasizes that God often chooses the 'weak,' 'foolish,' and 'lowly' things of the world to shame the wise and strong, showcasing God's tendency to elevate the humble and 'last' over the proud and 'first'.
barnesMatthew 19:30: "But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first."
This verse should have been connected with the following chapter The parable there spoken is expressly to illustrate this sentiment. See it explained in the notes at Matthew 20:16. Remarks On Matthew 19 1. We should not throw ourselves unnecessarily in the way of the enemies of religion, Matthew 19:1. Jesus, to avoid the dangers to which he was exposed, left Jerusalem, and passed over to the other side of the J…
calvinMatthew 19:27-30: "Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?"
- Then Peter answering said to him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee: what therefore shall we have? 28. And Jesus said to them, Verily I say to you, That you who have followed me in the regeneration, when the Son of man shall sit on the throne of his majesty, you also shall sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29. And whos…
This isn't just a simple statement about reversals; it's a powerful insight into God's perspective versus ours. Jesus is hinting that human estimations of importance – like seniority or outward achievement – don't dictate heavenly value, and a profound reordering is coming.
This statement comes directly after Peter asks Jesus what the disciples will receive for leaving everything to follow Him, and Jesus promises them great rewards in the coming kingdom. Jesus is responding to the disciples' assumption that their early commitment guarantees them the highest positions, turning their focus from earthly status to God’s surprising evaluation. This profound truth sets the stage for the parable in the following chapter, which will further illustrate how God’s perspective on who is "first" and "last" often reverses human expectations.
This statement comes directly after Peter asks Jesus what the disciples will receive for leaving everything to follow Him, and Jesus promises them great rewards in the coming kingdom. Jesus is responding to the disciples' assumption that their early commitment guarantees them the highest positions, turning their focus from earthly status to God’s surprising evaluation. This profound truth sets the stage for the parable in the following chapter, which will further illustrate how God’s perspective on who is "first" and "last" often reverses human expectations.
"But many who are first will be last, and the last first." — This isn't just a simple statement about reversals; it's a powerful insight into God's perspective versus ours. Jesus is hinting that human estimations of importance – like seniority or outward achie…
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Last reviewed October 2026