What is the meaning of Matthew 19:17? Why do you ask Me about what is good? - The rich young ruler had just asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to obtain eternal life?” (Matthew 19:16). Jesus immediately questions his premise, making the man think about the source and definition of “good.” - By asking this counter-question, Jesus guides the seeker away from a works-based checklist and toward God’s standard (Isaiah 55:8-9). - Mark 10:17-18 and Luke 18:18-19 record the same encounter; in each account Jesus places the spotlight on God, not human effort. - The question also presses the listener to recognize Jesus’ own authority. Only someone who embodies divine goodness could clarify what “good” really means (John 6:68-69). There is only One who is good. - Jesus states an absolute moral truth: “There is only One who is good” (Matthew 19:17a). God alone is perfectly righteous (Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalm 145:17). - This declaration confronts every person with the reality of sin (Romans 3:10-12) and undercuts any hope of earning life by personal merit. - At the same time, it hints at Jesus’ own deity. Scripture affirms His sinlessness (Hebrews 4:15) and unity with the Father (John 10:30; 14:9). If only God is good and Jesus is good, He must be God in the flesh. - Recognizing God’s unmatched goodness is the first step toward receiving the grace He offers (Romans 3:23-24; James 1:17). If you want to enter life, keep the commandments. - Jesus continues: “If you want to enter life, keep the commandments” (Matthew 19:17b). He directs the man to the revealed moral law (Exodus 20:1-17; Deuteronomy 5:6-21). - The Law functions as a mirror, exposing sin and pointing to the need for a Savior (Romans 3:20; Galatians 3:24). - Obedience flows from genuine faith; Jesus later said, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). - The young ruler’s claim of outward conformity (Matthew 19:18-20) shows how easily people overlook the heart issues the Law uncovers (Jeremiah 17:9). - Ultimately, the command that secures eternal life is to believe in the One whom God sent (John 6:29; 1 John 3:23). Jesus uses the commandments here to lead the man—and us—to that conclusion (Romans 10:4). summary - Jesus redirects the seeker from human notions of goodness to God’s flawless standard. - By affirming that only God is good, He exposes universal sinfulness and subtly reveals His own divine identity. - Pointing to the commandments, He shows that God’s Law both defines righteousness and reveals our inability to achieve it apart from grace. - The passage beckons every reader to acknowledge God’s holiness, confess personal need, and respond with obedient faith in Christ, the only One who is truly good and able to grant eternal life. |
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