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?"