Matthew 19:16-26

The Rich Young Ruler

16 Just then someone came up and asked Him, "Teacher, what good must I do to have eternal life?"

17 "Why do you ask Me about what is good?" ^[a] He said to him. "There is only One who is good. ^[b] If you want to enter into life, keep the commandments."

18 "Which ones?" he asked Him. Jesus answered, Do not murder; do not commit adultery; do not steal; do not bear false witness;

19 honor your father and your mother; and love your neighbor as yourself. ^[c]

20 "I have kept all these,"^[d] the young man told Him. "What do I still lack?"

21 "If you want to be perfect," ^[e] Jesus said to him, "go, sell your belongings and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me."

22 When the young man heard that command, he went away grieving, because he had many possessions.

Possessions and the Kingdom

23 Then Jesus said to His disciples, "I assure you: It will be hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven!

24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God."

25 When the disciples heard this, they were utterly astonished and asked, "Then who can be saved?"

26 But Jesus looked at them and said, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

Footnotes

• [a]. Other mss read Why do you call Me good?
• [b]. Other mss read No one is good but One-God
• [c]. Ex 20:12-16; Dt 5:16-20; Lv 19:18
• [d]. Other mss add from my youth
• [e]. Or complete