7
For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and shall cling to his wife,
8
and the two shall be one'; so that they are two no longer, but `one.'
9
What, therefore, God has joined together let not man separate."
10
Indoors the disciples began questioning Jesus again on the same subject.
11
He replied, "Whoever divorces his wife and marries another woman, commits adultery against the first wife;
12
and if a woman puts away her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery."
13
One day people were bringing young children to Jesus for Him to touch them, but the disciples interfered.
14
Jesus, however, on seeing this, was moved to indignation, and said to them, "Let the little children come to me: do not hinder them; for to those who are childlike the Kingdom of God belongs.
15
In solemn truth I tell you that no one who does not receive the Kingdom of God like a little child will by any possibility enter it."
16
Then He took them in His arms and blessed them lovingly, one by one, laying His hands upon them.
17
As He went out to resume His journey, there came a man running up to Him, who knelt at His feet and asked, "Good Rabbi, what am I to do in order to inherit the Life of the Ages?"
18
"Why do you call me good?" asked Jesus in reply; "there is no one truly good except One--that is, God.
19
You know the Commandments--`Do not murder;' `Do not commit adultery;' `Do not steal;' `Do not lie in giving evidence;' `Do not defraud;' `Honour thy father and thy mother.'"
20
"Rabbi," he replied, "all these Commandments I have carefully obeyed from my youth."
21
Then Jesus looked at him and loved him, and said, "One thing is lacking in you: go, sell all you possess and give the proceeds to the poor, and you shall have riches in Heaven; and come and be a follower of mine."
22
At these words his brow darkened, and he went away sad; for he was possessed of great wealth.
23
Then looking round on His disciples Jesus said, "With how hard a struggle will the possessors of riches enter the Kingdom of God!"
24
The disciples were amazed at His words. Jesus, however, said again, "Children, how hard a struggle is it for those who trust in riches to enter the Kingdom of God!
25
It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God."
26
They were astonished beyond measure, and said to one another, "Who then *can* be saved?"
27
Jesus looking on them said, "With men it is impossible, but not with God; for everything is possible with God."