Part 30

018:013 "But the tax-gatherer, standing far back, would not so much as lift his eyes to Heaven, but kept beating his breast and saying, "`O God, be reconciled to me, sinner that I am.'

018:014 "I tell you that this man went home more thoroughly absolved from guilt than the other; for every one who uplifts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be uplifted."

018:015 On one occasion people also brought with them their infants, for Him to touch them; but the disciples, noticing this, proceeded to find fault with them.

018:016 Jesus however called the infants to Him. "Let the little children come to me," He said; "do not hinder them; for it is to those who are childlike that the Kingdom of God belongs.

018:017 I tell you in solemn truth that, whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God like a little child will certainly not enter it."

018:018 The question was put to Him by a Ruler: "Good Rabbi, what shall I do to inherit the Life of the Ages?"

018:019 "Why do you call me good?" replied Jesus; "there is no one good but One, namely God.

018:020 You know the Commandments: `Do not commit adultery;' `Do not murder;' `Do not steal;' `Do not lie in giving evidence;' `Honour thy father and thy mother.'"

018:021 "All of those," he replied, "I have kept from my youth."

018:022 On receiving this answer Jesus said to him, "There is still one thing wanting in you. Sell everything you possess and give the money to the poor, and you shall have wealth in Heaven; and then come, follow me."

018:023 But on hearing these words he was deeply sorrowful, for he was exceedingly rich.

018:024 Jesus saw his sorrow, and said, "With how hard a struggle do the possessors of riches ever enter the Kingdom of God!

018:025 Why, it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God."

018:026 "Who then can be saved?" exclaimed the hearers.

018:027 "Things impossible with man," He replied, "are possible with God."

018:028 Then Peter said, "See, we have given up our homes and have followed you."

018:029 "I solemnly tell you," replied Jesus, "that there is no one who has left house or wife, or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of God's Kingdom,

018:030 who shall not certainly receive many times as much in this life, and in the age that is coming the Life of the Ages."

018:031 Then He drew the Twelve to Him and said, "See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything written in the Prophets which refers to the Son of Man will be fulfilled.

018:032 For He will be given up to the Gentiles, and be mocked, outraged and spit upon.

018:033 They will scourge Him and put Him to death, and on the third day He will rise to life again."

018:034 Nothing of this did they understand. The words were a mystery to them, nor could they see what He meant.

018:035 As Jesus came near to Jericho, there was a blind man sitting by the way-side begging.

018:036 He heard a crowd of people going past, and inquired what it all meant.

018:037 "Jesus the Nazarene is passing by," they told him.

018:038 Then, at the top of his voice, he cried out, "Jesus, son of David, take pity on me."

018:039 Those in front reproved him and tried to silence him; but he continued shouting, louder than ever, "Son of David, take pity on me."

018:040 At length Jesus stopped and desired them to bring the man to Him; and when he had come close to Him He asked him,