Because they had the Prophets, and the holy scriptures, and, before the coming of Christ, theirs was the True Church of God-- at least, of all the true believers among them, not including most of the Pharisees. Christ is not saying that individual Jews-- like Barbara Boxer, George Soros, etc etc., are somehow Sacred and Holy, and we must be in their favor in order to go to heaven.
Who said they are? You are already on shaky ground. Do not make it worse by putting words in my or other critics mouths.
Jesus did not say, “Before me theirs was the true church of God.” He said every word of Mosaic Law is true and unbroken. He put the Jews FIRST in receiving the blessing of salvation.
Salvation, according to Jesus, is of the Jews, the Chosen People. That does not make them better, only singled out.
Will you be among the apostates who condemn the Jews when they acknowledge Jesus as their Messiah?