Study Desk

As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees^(p) before him. "Good teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?"^(q)

"Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good—except God alone.

You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.'^[d]"^(r)

"Teacher," he declared, "all these I have kept since I was a boy."

Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor,^(s) and you will have treasure in heaven.^(t) Then come, follow me."^(u)

At this the man's face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.