13-16 The people brought children to Jesus, hoping he might touch them. The disciples shooed them off. But Jesus was irate and let them know it: “Don’t push these children away. Don’t ever get between them and me. These children are at the very center of life in the kingdom. Mark this: Unless you accept God’s kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you’ll never get in.” Then, gathering the children up in his arms, he laid his hands of blessing on them.

To Enter God’s Kingdom

17 As he went out into the street, a man came running up, greeted him with great reverence, and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to get eternal life?”

18-19 Jesus said, “Why are you calling me good? No one is good, only God. You know the commandments: Don’t murder, don’t commit adultery, don’t steal, don’t lie, don’t cheat, honor your father and mother.”

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16 And he took the children in his arms,(A) placed his hands on them and blessed them.

The Rich and the Kingdom of God(B)

17 As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees(C) before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”(D)

18 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone.

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