Question:
Could you explain Matthew 19:30? "But many who are first will be last, and the last first." (Matthew 19:30)
Answer:
Matthew 19:30 begins with the word “but.” This little conjunction is important because it connects the point of Matthew 19:30 to the events that have previously occurred and statements previously made. Therefore, to understand the statement of verse 30 we need to be familiar with the context that precedes it.
If we back up to verse 16 we will find the account of a character often titled “the rich young ruler.” This ruler was evidently a Jew because he admits to keeping the Jewish law (Matthew 19:17-19). He was also rich, as verse 22 says “he had great possessions.” Yet, as Jesus commands this young man to share his wealth with others “the young man...went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions” (19:22). Thus, here we have a high-ranking Jew, a devout young man, and a wealthy citizen. In rank, we might say he was esteemed highly, or first, among men.
Immediately following this conversation, Jesus converses with His own disciples. In verse 27, He specifically talks to Peter. Peter makes the statement, “See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore what shall we have?” (19:27). Reflecting upon Peter’s previous occupation we remember he was a fisherman, along with James, John and Andrew (Matthew 4:18-22). Yet, these fisherman “left their nets...and followed Him” (4:20,22). By the world’s standards, these men were simple, common and low-ranking—last among men.
Yet, notice the difference in the characters. The “rich young ruler,” though highly esteemed among men, was not willing to part with his possessions to do God’s will (Matthew 19:22). The “fisherman” from Galilee, though unsophisticated in comparison, were willing to give up their work to follow Jesus and do His will.
What rewards did these men have in their lives? The rich young ruler had the reward of popularity, high-esteem and prominence. The apostles were mocked, tested and persecuted for their faith. Yet, what rewards would these men have in the life to come? Matthew 19:29 says, “...everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life.” Thus, those who are in first place now and reject God will be in last place in the life to come. Those who are in last place now and persecuted for their faith, even by their own families, will be first-rate in heaven.
Jesus was rebuking those who refused to sacrifice and commending those who did. Are you trading in heaven’s glory for earthly fame or fortune?
March 2008