Matthew 20:16

So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.

Cross-reference

Matthew 8:11 foretells Gentiles coming from east and west to the kingdom—the reversal where the last become first, echoing the principle.

Matthew 8:12 describes the sons of the kingdom cast out—the dark side of the reversal where the first become last.

In Matthew 19:30, Jesus first states this reversal principle about the kingdom, which the parable in 20:16 then illustrates.

In Matthew 21:31, tax collectors and prostitutes (the 'last') enter ahead of religious leaders, illustrating the reversal principle here.

Matthew 22:14 repeats 'many are called, few are chosen'—the same saying attached to the main verse.

Mark 10:31 Parallel

In Mark 10:31, Jesus states the identical reversal saying, showing it's a consistent teaching in the Synoptics.

In Luke 13:28-30, the outsiders enter the kingdom while insiders are thrown out, concluding with the same 'last first' statement.

Luke 14:24 Parallel

Luke 14:24 shows invited guests excluded while outcasts enter—a direct reversal of first and last.

Romans 9:30 Parallel

Romans 9:30 describes Gentiles receiving righteousness though not pursuing it—mirroring the 'last first, first last' reversal in God's economy.

Luke 13:30 Parallel

Luke 13:30 repeats the identical saying about last being first and first last, reinforcing the same kingdom reversal principle.