Matthew 19:23-30

New Testament for Everyone

The first and the last

²³ Jesus said to his disciples, “I’m telling you the truth: it’s very hard for a rich person to get into the kingdom of heaven. ²⁴ Let me say it again: it’s easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter God’s kingdom.”

²⁵ The disciples were completely flabbergasted when they heard that. “So who then can be saved?” they asked.

²⁶ Jesus looked round at them. “Humanly speaking,” he replied, “it’s impossible. But everything’s possible with God.”

²⁷ Then Peter spoke up. “Look here,” he said, “we’ve left everything behind and followed you. What can we expect?”

²⁸ “I’m telling you the truth,” Jesus replied. “In God’s great new world, when the son of man sits on his glorious throne, those of you who have followed me will sit on twelve thrones—yes, you!—and rule over the twelve tribes of Israel. ²⁹ And anyone who’s left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or estates because of my name will get back a hundred times over, and will inherit the life of that new age. ³⁰ But many at the front will find themselves at the back, and the back ones at the front.”