JESUS BLESSES THE CHILDREN
[Sidenote: St. Mark 10]
AND they brought young children to Jesus, that he should touch them:
and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw
it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little
children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the
kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the
kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And he
took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.
[Sidenote: St. Matthew 20]
And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and
kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I
may inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou
me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. Thou knowest the
commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do
not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. And
he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from
my youth. Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One
thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to
the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up
the cross, and follow me. And he was sad at that saying, and went away
grieved: for he had great possessions.
And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly
shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! And the
disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again,
and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in
riches to enter into the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to
go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the
kingdom of God. And they were astonished out of measure, saying among
themselves, Who then can be saved? And Jesus looking upon them saith,
With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things
are possible.
Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have
followed thee. And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you,
There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or
father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the
gospel's, but he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses,
and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with
persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life. But many that are
first shall be last; and the last first.