Luke 18:18-30

One day a wealthy Jewish nobleman of high standing posed this question to Jesus: “Wonderful Teacher, what must I do to receive eternal life?” Jesus answered, “Why would you call me wonderful when there is only one who is wonderful—and that is God alone? You already know what is right and what the commandments teach: ‘Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not lie, and honor your father and your mother.’ ” The wealthy leader replied, “These are the very things I’ve been doing for as long as I can remember.” “Ah,” Jesus said, “there’s still one thing you’re missing in your life.” “What is that?” asked the man. “You must go and sell everything you own and give all the proceeds to the poor so you will have eternal treasures. Then come and follow me.” These words devastated the rich leader, for he was extremely wealthy. Jesus saw his disappointment, and looking right at him said, “It is next to impossible for those who have everything to enter into God’s kingdom. Nothing could be harder! You could compare it to trying to stuff a rope through the eye of a needle.” Those who heard this said, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus responded, “What appears humanly impossible is more than possible with God. For God can do what man cannot.” Peter said, “Master, see how we’ve left all that we have, our houses and our careers, to follow you.” Jesus replied, “Listen to my words: anyone who leaves his home behind and chooses God’s kingdom over wife, children, parents, and family, it will come back to him many more times in this lifetime. And in the age to come, he will inherit even more than that—he will inherit eternal life!”