1When Jesus finished speaking, he left Galilee and traveled along the other side of the Jordan River to the territory of Judea. 2Large crowds followed him, and he healed them there.

3Some Pharisees came to test him. They asked, "Can a man divorce his wife for any reason?" 4Jesus answered, "Haven't you read that the Creator made them male and female in the beginning 5and that he said, 'That's why a man will leave his father and mother and will remain united with his wife, and the two will be one'? 6So they are no longer two but one. Therefore, don't let anyone separate what God has joined together." 7The Pharisees asked him, "Why, then, did Moses order a man to give his wife a written notice to divorce her?" 8Jesus answered them, "Moses allowed you to divorce your wives because you're heartless. It was never this way in the beginning. 9I can guarantee that whoever divorces his wife for any reason other than her unfaithfulness is committing adultery if he marries another woman."

10The disciples said to him, "If that is the only reason a man can use to divorce his wife, it's better not to get married." 11He answered them, "Not everyone can do what you suggest. Only those who have that gift can. 12For example, some men are celibate because they were born that way. Others are celibate because they were castrated. Still others have decided to be celibate because of the kingdom of heaven. If anyone can do what you've suggested, then he should do it."

13Then some people brought little children to Jesus to have him bless them and pray for them. But the disciples told the people not to do that. 14Jesus said, "Don't stop children from coming to me! Children like these are part of the kingdom of God." 15After Jesus blessed them, he went away from there.

16Then a man came to Jesus and said, "Teacher, what good deed should I do to gain eternal life?" 17Jesus said to him, "Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you want to enter into life, obey the commandments." 18"Which commandments?" the man asked. Jesus said, "Never murder. Never commit adultery. Never steal. Never give false testimony. 19Honor your father and mother. Love your neighbor as you love yourself." 20The young man replied, "I have obeyed all these commandments. What else do I need to do?" 21Jesus said to him, "If you want to be perfect, sell what you own. Give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then follow me!" 22When the young man heard this, he went away sad because he owned a lot of property.

23Jesus said to his disciples, "I can guarantee this truth: It will be hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24I can guarantee again that 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." 25He amazed his disciples more than ever when they heard this. "Then who can be saved?" they asked. 26Jesus looked at them and said, "It is impossible for people [to save themselves], but everything is possible for God."

27Then Peter replied to him, "Look, we've given up everything to follow you. What will we get out of it?" 28Jesus said to them, "I can guarantee this truth: When the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne in the world to come, you, my followers, will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29And everyone who gave up homes, brothers or sisters, father, mother, children, or fields because of my name will receive a hundred times more and will inherit eternal life. 30However, many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.