Mark 10:13-31
Little Children Are Brought to Jesus
People were bringing little children to Jesus. They wanted him to place his hands on them to bless them. But the disciples told them to stop. When Jesus saw this, he was angry. He said to his disciples, “Let the little children come to me. Don’t keep them away. God’s kingdom belongs to people like them. What I’m about to tell you is true. Anyone who will not receive God’s kingdom like a little child will never enter it.” Then he took the children in his arms. He placed his hands on them to bless them.
Rich People and the Kingdom of God
As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him. He fell on his knees before Jesus. “Good teacher,” he said, “what must I do to receive eternal life?”
“Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good except God. You know what the commandments say. ‘Do not murder. Do not commit adultery. Do not steal. Do not be a false witness. Do not cheat. Honor your father and mother.’ ” (Exodus 20:12–16; Deuteronomy 5:16–20)
“Teacher,” he said, “I have obeyed all those commandments since I was a boy.”
Jesus looked at him and loved him. “You are missing one thing,” he said. “Go and sell everything you have. Give the money to those who are poor. You will have treasure in heaven. Then come and follow me.”
The man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he was very rich.
Jesus looked around. He said to his disciples, “How hard it is for rich people to enter God’s kingdom!”
The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, “Children, how hard it is to enter God’s kingdom! Is it hard for a camel to go through the eye of a needle? It is even harder for someone who is rich to enter God’s kingdom!”
The disciples were even more amazed. They said to each other, “Then who can be saved?”
Jesus looked at them and said, “With people, this is impossible. But not with God. All things are possible with God.”
Then Peter spoke up, “We have left everything to follow you!”
“What I’m about to tell you is true,” Jesus replied. “Has anyone left home or family or fields for me and the good news? They will receive 100 times as much in this world. They will have homes and families and fields. But they will also be treated badly by others. In the world to come they will live forever. But many who are first will be last. And the last will be first.”
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