Why does Jesus question being called "good" in Luke 18:19? The Encounter in Context “Then a certain ruler asked Him, ‘Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ ‘Why do you call Me good?’ Jesus replied. ‘No one is good except God alone.’” • The ruler greets Jesus with a customary title of respect, but Jesus pauses the conversation to probe the man’s understanding of goodness. • Parallel passages: Mark 10:17-18; Matthew 19:16-17—each records the same exchange, underscoring its importance. What “Good” Means in Scripture • Scripture reserves absolute goodness for God alone (Psalm 106:1; Nahum 1:7). • Human goodness is always partial and flawed: – “There is no one righteous, not even one” (Romans 3:10; cf. Psalm 14:3). – “All our righteous acts are like filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6). • By highlighting the word, Jesus forces the ruler to measure himself—and his works—against God’s perfect standard. Jesus’ Purpose in Questioning the Title 1. Expose shallow flattery – The ruler spoke respectfully, yet his definition of goodness was merely human. 2. Confront self-righteousness – The man thought eternal life could be earned (“What must I do...”). – Jesus redirects him from works to God’s flawless holiness. 3. Invite recognition of Jesus’ true identity – If only God is good, and Jesus is truly good, then Jesus is God. – Later statements make this clear: “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30); “Whoever has seen Me has seen the Father” (John 14:9). 4. Prepare the heart for the next command – After redefining goodness, Jesus calls the ruler to abandon wealth and follow Him (Luke 18:22). The prior question dismantles confidence in human merit, clearing the way for faith. What Jesus Did NOT Mean • He did not deny His own sinlessness (John 8:46) or deity (John 1:1-14). • He did not equate Himself with fallen humanity; instead, He contrasted God’s goodness with human assumptions. Key Takeaways for Us Today • True goodness is God’s character, not ours. Acknowledging this humbles self-reliance and points to grace. • Jesus’ question is an implicit claim to divinity; recognizing Him as perfectly good leads to worship, not mere admiration. • Eternal life is received by trusting the Good One—Jesus—not by accumulating good deeds. • Like the ruler, we must let Jesus redefine our terms so we can follow Him with undivided hearts. Related Passages for Personal Study • Psalm 100:5; Psalm 145:9—God’s enduring goodness • John 10:11—Jesus the “good shepherd” who lays down His life • Ephesians 2:8-9—Salvation by grace, not works • Titus 3:4-7—God’s kindness and goodness appearing in Christ |
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