Key Theme: Use of the Law
[Core Gospel Concepts: Nature of Faith, Use of the Law, Justification]
Now a man, a ruler, came up to Jesus and asked, "Good Teacher, what good deed must I do to get eternal life?"
"Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only one who is good – God. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments. You know them."
"Which ones?" the man asked.
Jesus replied, "Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother, and love your neighbor as yourself."
"All these I have kept from my youth," the young man said. "What do I still lack?"
Jesus looked at him and loved him, and he answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.
Then come, follow me."
When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.
Then Jesus said to his disciples, "I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."
When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, "Who then can be saved?" Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
Optional Memory Verse: Matthew 19:26: “With man this [i.e. being saved] is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”