Jesus was angry as he looked around at them, but at the same time he felt sorry for them, because they were so stubborn and wrong. Then he said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He stretched it out, and it became well again.

But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it.

Jesus then said to his disciples, "I assure you: it will be very hard for rich people to enter the Kingdom of heaven.

When the disciples heard this, they were completely amazed. "Who, then, can be saved?" they asked.

Jesus saw that he was sad and said, "How hard it is for rich people to enter the Kingdom of God!

Now remember what you were, my friends, when God called you. From the human point of view few of you were wise or powerful or of high social standing.

Listen, my dear friends! God chose the poor people of this world to be rich in faith and to possess the kingdom which he promised to those who love him.

Unfaithful people! Don't you know that to be the world's friend means to be God's enemy? If you want to be the world's friend, you make yourself God's enemy.

I assure you that whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it."

and said, "I assure you that unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the Kingdom of heaven.

"I am telling you the truth," replied Jesus, "that no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit.

In this way you will be given the full right to enter the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.