How does Mark 10:18 emphasize God's unique goodness? The verse itself Mark 10:18—“Why do you call Me good?” Jesus replied. “No one is good except God alone.” What Jesus means by “good” • “Good” here points to absolute moral perfection, not merely human kindness. • Scripture reserves this kind of flawless goodness for God (Psalm 119:68; Nahum 1:7). • By redirecting attention to God, Jesus underscores that true goodness is not relative but rooted in God’s own character. Why Jesus questions the rich young ruler’s words • The ruler uses “good” casually, perhaps thinking of Jesus as an exceptional rabbi. • Jesus exposes the shallow use of the word, pressing him to consider whether he really recognizes divine perfection in Christ. • In effect, Jesus says, “If you call Me ‘good,’ realize that you’re acknowledging the goodness that belongs only to God.” God’s exclusive claim to goodness • Exodus 34:6—God reveals Himself as “abounding in goodness.” • 1 John 1:5—“God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all.” • James 1:17—Every good and perfect gift is “from above, coming down from the Father.” These passages knit together a consistent biblical theme: goodness originates in God alone and radiates outward. Implications for understanding Jesus • Jesus does not deny His own deity; rather, He forces the listener to confront it. • If only God is good, and Jesus is truly good, the conclusion is that Jesus shares the divine nature (John 1:1; Colossians 2:9). • The question becomes an invitation to recognize Him as more than teacher—He is God incarnate. Take-home truths • God’s goodness is unique, perfect, and absolute. • Human goodness is derivative at best; it reflects God’s character when we walk in obedience. • Recognizing Jesus’ goodness inevitably leads to worship, because that goodness belongs only to God. |
    |