Matthew 19:30

First shall be last. See on Luke 13:30. Many who, like the rich young ruler, had every appearance of being first to enter heaven, would actually be last. Matt. 19:30 forms a connecting link between the incident and subsequent discussion recorded in vs. 23-29, and the parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard, recorded in ch. 20. Note that the same summary declaration is repeated at the close of that parable (see v. 16), a parable that was told specifically to illustrate this great paradox of the Christian faith.

A few weeks after this — during the course of His last day of teaching in the Temple — Jesus declared to the chief priests and elders that publicans and harlots would enter the kingdom of heaven ahead of them (ch. 21:31, 32). In fact, from all over the earth would come a host of humble, faithful ones worthy to “sit down in the kingdom of God” (Luke 13:29), while the religious leaders of Israel would themselves be “thrust out” (v. 28). For a further discussion of the reversal of conditions in the future life compare the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus (see on Luke 16:19-31). Earthly success and popularity are based on altogether different standards from those by which God estimates a man’s worth.