Matthew 20:16

Jesus concludes that the last will be first and the first last, for many are called but few chosen. The Kingdom overturns merit-based rankings and rests on God's gracious choosing.

Cross-references · 18

• Matt 19:30But many will be last who are first; and first who are last.
• Mark 10:31But many who are first will be last; and the last first.”
• Matt 22:14For many are called, but few chosen.”
• Luke 13:28–30There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets, in God’s Kingdom, and yourselves being thrown outside.
• Luke 15:7I tell you that even so there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, than over ninety-nine righteous people who need no repentance.
• Rom 8:30Whom he predestined, those he also called. Whom he called, those he also justified. Whom he justified, those he also glorified.
• Matt 7:13“Enter in by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter in by it.
• Rom 9:30What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, who didn’t follow after righteousness, attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith;
• Jas 1:23–25For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man looking at his natural face in a mirror;
• 1 Th 2:13For this cause we also thank God without ceasing, that, when you received from us the word of the message of God, you accepted it not as the word of men, but, as it is in truth, the word of God, which also works in you who believe.
• Luke 14:24For I tell you that none of those men who were invited will taste of my supper.’”
• Rom 5:20The law came in besides, that the trespass might abound; but where sin abounded, grace abounded more exceedingly;
• John 12:19–22The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, “See how you accomplish nothing. Behold, the world has gone after him.”
• Matt 21:31Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said to him, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Most certainly I tell you that the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering into God’s Kingdom before you.
• Luke 17:17–18Jesus answered, “Weren’t the ten cleansed? But where are the nine?
• Luke 7:47Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.”
• 2 Th 2:13–14But we are bound to always give thanks to God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because God chose you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief in the truth;
• Matt 8:11–12I tell you that many will come from the east and the west, and will sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the Kingdom of Heaven,

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