7. And will not God surely see to it that justice is done to his chosen ones who cry out to him day and night, and will he delay toward them?
8. I tell you that he will see to it that justice is done for them soon! Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, then will he find faith on earth?”
9. And he also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and looked down on everyone else:
10. “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.
11. The Pharisee stood and prayed these things with reference to himself: ‘God, I give thanks to you that I am not like other people—swindlers, unrighteous people, adulterers, or even like this tax collector!
12. I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all that I get.’
13. But the tax collector, standing far away, did not want even to raise his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’
14. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than that one! For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
15. Now they were bringing even their babies to him so that he could touch them. But when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them.
16. But Jesus called them to himself, saying, “Allow the children to come to me, and do not forbid them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.
17. Truly I say to you, whoever does not welcome the kingdom of God like a young child will never enter into it.”
18. And a certain ruler asked him, saying, “Good Teacher, by doing what will I inherit eternal life?”
19. And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.
20. You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother.’ ”
21. And he said, “All these I have observed from my youth.”
22. And when he heard this, Jesus said to him, “You still lack one thing: Sell all that you have, and distribute the proceeds to the poor—and you will have treasure in heaven—and come, follow me.”
23. But when he heard these things he became very sad, because he was extremely wealthy.
24. And Jesus took notice of him and said, “How difficult it is for those who possess wealth to enter into the kingdom of God!