Verse 13 → “Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray:
and the disciples rebuked them.”
This is also recorded in Mark 10:13-16 and Luke 18:15-17. According to Mark 10:13, the disciples rebuked those who brought the children to Jesus. Luke 18:15 also records that they rebuked those who brought the children.
“Little children” in the Greek is paidion and is non very specific to the exact age of the children. Mark uses the same word to describe them. However, Luke uses the phrase brephos to describe the children. This word is very specific to newborn infants. It is interesting to note that Scripture doesn’t mention the children walking or talking, only that they were brought to Jesus.
Previously in chapter 18, Jesus had addressed being as a young child in order to enter the kingdom. Once again, he will give a similar lesson.

Verse 14 → “But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the
kingdom of heaven.”
Mark’s Gospels give more insight in chapter 15 verses 14 and 15. Within the qualities of a child lies the key to entering into the kingdom. Previously in Matthew 18:4, Jesus instructed them to “humble” themselves as a little child. Children do not think they know everything, that is why they ask questions. Children are innocent and do not see the world in a corrupt way.
The nation of Israel is often called “the children of Israel” because they descended from Israel. However, it does carry a sense of humility and acknowledges that they are the children under the covenant. A child raised correctly will ultimately trust their parents even if they do not understand.
In 2 Samuel 12:23, David explained that he would see his son again. An infant is not eternally separated from God due to sin.

Verse 15 → “And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence.”
In Mark 10:16, it explains that he blessed them. The word “blessed” in the Greek is eulogio and it means to speak well of or praise.

Verse 16 → “And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may
have eternal life?”
The story of the rich young ruler is perhaps the clearest difference between the Gospel of the Kingdom and the Gospel of Grace. Interpreted correctly, it leads to very sound doctrine. If overlooked, it creates many challenges in studying Scripture.
Approaching Jesus he calls him agathos didaskols which means Good Master and asks how to receive eternal life. If we were asked this question, we would certainly explain the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus taking away the sins of the world and by faith we can be saved. So how does Jesus respond?

Verse 17 → “And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if
thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.”
Jesus first responds with an interesting question. He loosely quotes Psalm 14:3. The context of the chapter is a prophetic vision of the last days before the kingdom, addressing the wickedness that will be in the world. Jesus is focusing on what he is implying by calling him good.
Jesus then answers his question in a way that may seem puzzling. He doesn’t say “believe in me”. Instead, he gives a very Jewish and Old Testament answer, “keep the commandments”. For those who do not understand the Gospel of the Kingdom, this may seem confusing so they don’t take Jesus literally. However, this is simply not how the passage is to be understood.
Verse 18 & 19 → “He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit
adultery, Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”
Jesus doubles down and begins listing the Ten Commandments and quotes Leviticus 19:18. Why didn’t Jesus say “confess me as your savior”? Because he has died on the cross and the mystery hasn’t been revealed yet. This is consistent with Jesus’s instructions, “repent” and chapter 5 verse 20.

Verse 20 → “The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?”
Many naturally want to accuse the young man of being a liar and say, “See! He thinks he is obedient! What an arrogant, disrespectful, and lying little punk!”
However, Jesus does not respond by saying he has been dishonest. On an individual level, it is possible to keep the Mosaic Law. There was a very clear method of doing so, that the majority failed to follow. If he had transgressed in some way, he had the sacrificial system to atone for his sin.

Verse 21 → “Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and
thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.”
“Perfect” in Greek is teleois and means to be complete. In fact, Mark 10:21 words it as the young man “lacking one thing”. There is something holding him back from being able to enter into the kingdom. Ultimately, he values his possessions more than the kingdom.
It is interesting that very few people were actually instructed to follow Jesus. The multitudes that followed him were not commanded to do so. This is telling of the young ruler’s character. The other people were either not truly repentant and believers in the words of Jesus or they did not have the same problem this young man did. The severeness of the young man’s condition is seen in the next verse.

Verse 22 → “But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great
possessions.”
He ultimately could not give up the earthly possessions he had. It is interesting that he seemed to be held to a higher standard than others. He believed Jesus was good, and likely acknowledged he was the Son of God. Why did he have to sell all he had?

Verses 23 and 24 → “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly
enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go
through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.”
Very bluntly, Jesus explains that a rich man will unlikely enter into the kingdom of heaven. Many have taken this verse and used it to say more than it actually does. First of all, because we rightly divide, we understand that Jesus is talking about the Messianic Kingdom on earth. If it wasn’t for wealthy people, many missionaries would have been unable to reach people, churches would not have been built, and hospitals would not have healed people.
When understood through the revelation of the end times, it becomes clear that those who do well and are wealthy have taken the mark of the best and have worshiped the Antichrist. When the going got tough, the rich young ruler would abandon the commandments to maintain his wealth.

Verses 25 and 26 → “When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be
saved? But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but
with God all things are possible.”
Within the New Testament, “saved” can refer to both receiving the kingdom and receiving salvation by grace through faith. If the wealthy are unlikely to enter into the kingdom, who will? Neither the wealthy or poor can rely on their own abilities or resources. The kingdom can only come by the power of God. Man is unable to bring about his own salvation. Only God can deliver humanity.