14. When Jesus saw this, he was angry. He said to his disciples, "Let the little children come to me. Don't keep them away. God's kingdom belongs to people like them.
15. What I'm about to tell you is true. Anyone who will not receive God's kingdom like a little child will never enter it."
16. Then he took the children in his arms. He put his hands on them and blessed them.
17. As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him. He fell on his knees before Jesus. "Good teacher," he said, "what must I do to receive eternal life?"
18. "Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good except God.
19. You know what the commandments say. 'Do not commit murder. Do not commit adultery. Do not steal. Do not give false witness. Do not cheat. Honor your father and mother.' " (Exodus 20:12-16; Deuteronomy 5:16-20)
20. "Teacher," he said, "I have obeyed all those commandments since I was a boy."
21. Jesus looked at him and loved him. "You are missing one thing," he said. "Go and sell everything you have. Give the money to those who are poor. You will have treasure in heaven. Then come and follow me."
22. The man's face fell. He went away sad, because he was very rich.
23. Jesus looked around. He said to his disciples, "How hard it is for rich people to enter God's kingdom!"
24. The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, "Children, how hard it is to enter God's kingdom!