The Last Who Are First: It is important to note the close tie between chapter 20 and the verse that precedes it. The saying about the first who will be last and the last who will be first (19:30) is repeated at the end of the first section of chapter 20 (v. 16). This Semitic device is called inclusio, and because the order is inverted it is also an example of chiasmus (for other examples compare 7:16 with 7:20, and 24:42 with 25:13). Chapter 20 also begins with the Greek conjunction gar, which emphasizes continuity.

20:17–19 As Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside to tell them what would happen to him there. This is now the third prediction of his passion. Once again he speaks only to the Twelve. Three important points are made. First, he will be betrayed to t…