New Living Translation

Matthew 19:7-24 New Living Translation (NLT)

7. “Then why did Moses say in the law that a man could give his wife a written notice of divorce and send her away?” they asked.

8. Jesus replied, “Moses permitted divorce only as a concession to your hard hearts, but it was not what God had originally intended.

9. And I tell you this, whoever divorces his wife and marries someone else commits adultery—unless his wife has been unfaithful.”

10. Jesus’ disciples then said to him, “If this is the case, it is better not to marry!”

11. “Not everyone can accept this statement,” Jesus said. “Only those whom God helps.

12. Some are born as eunuchs, some have been made eunuchs by others, and some choose not to marry for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven. Let anyone accept this who can.”

13. One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could lay his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him.

14. But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.”

15. And he placed his hands on their heads and blessed them before he left.

16. Someone came to Jesus with this question: “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?”

17. “Why ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. But to answer your question—if you want to receive eternal life, keep the commandments.”

18. “Which ones?” the man asked.And Jesus replied: “‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely.

19. Honor your father and mother. Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

20. “I’ve obeyed all these commandments,” the young man replied. “What else must I do?”

21. Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

22. But when the young man heard this, he went away sad, for he had many possessions.

23. Then Jesus said to his disciples, “I tell you the truth, it is very hard for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

24. I’ll say it again—it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!”