A man runs up to Jesus, kneels, and asks what he must do to inherit eternal life.

Jesus directs him toward God and then names commandments dealing with human relationships.

The man says he has kept these from his youth.

Mark adds that Jesus looks at him and loves him. Jesus then identifies what remains: the man is to sell what he has, give to the poor, gain treasure in heaven, and follow him.

The man’s face falls. He leaves grieving because he has great wealth.

Jesus turns to his disciples and describes how difficult it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God, using the memorable image of a camel passing through the eye of a needle.

The disciples are astonished and ask who, then, can be saved.

Jesus answers that what is impossible with human beings is possible with God.

Peter points out that the disciples have left everything to follow Jesus. Jesus responds with promises of both costly belonging in the present and eternal life in the age to come, while warning that many who are first will be last and the last first.