Luke 18:18–30

Jesus and the Rich Ruler

18A certain ruler asked Jesus a question. “Good teacher,” he said, “what must I do to receive eternal life?”

19“Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good except God. 20You know what the commandments say. ‘Do not commit adultery. Do not commit murder. Do not steal. Do not give false witness. Honor your father and mother.’ ” (Exodus 20:12–16; Deuteronomy 5:16–20)

21“I have obeyed all those commandments since I was a boy,” the ruler said.

22When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “You are still missing one thing. Sell everything you have. Give the money to those who are poor. You will have treasure in heaven. Then come and follow me.”

23When the ruler heard this, he became very sad. He was very rich.

24Jesus looked at him. Then he said, “How hard it is for rich people to enter God’s kingdom! 25Is it hard for a camel to go through the eye of a needle? It is even harder for the rich to enter God’s kingdom!”

26Those who heard this asked, “Then who can be saved?”

27Jesus replied, “Things that are impossible with people are possible with God.”

28Peter said to him, “We have left everything we had in order to follow you!”

29“What I’m about to tell you is true,” Jesus said to them. “Has anyone left home or family for God’s kingdom? 30They will receive many times as much in this world. In the world to come they will live forever.”