²⁴ The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, “Children, how hard it is^[a] to enter the kingdom of God!^{(A) 25} It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”^(B)

²⁰ For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.^(A)

²⁸ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.^(A)

³² But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.^(A)

⁴⁴ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,^(A)

Prayer^(A)

⁵ “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing^(B) in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.

Fasting

¹⁶ “When you fast,^(A) do not look somber^(B) as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.

³⁴ “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. ³⁵ For I have come to turn

³⁷ “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.^{(C) 38} Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me.^(D)

²⁰ Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down.^(D) The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. ²¹ He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled^(E) in your hearing.”