Why does Jesus question being called "good" in Mark 10:18? Setting the Scene - A wealthy, devout young man runs up, kneels, and asks Jesus, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” (Mark 10:17). - Jesus responds, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone.” (Mark 10:18). - At first glance, it may sound as though Jesus is rejecting the title “good.” Instead, He uses the word to unveil the man’s assumptions and point him—and us—toward the true source of goodness. What “Good” Means in Scripture - In Scripture, “good” is far more than a casual compliment. It speaks of moral perfection—righteousness without blemish. - Psalm 34:8 declares, “Taste and see that the LORD is good,” identifying goodness with God’s very character. - Romans 3:10, 12 reinforces the point: “There is no one righteous, not even one… there is no one who does good, not even one.” Humanity, on its own, falls short. Why Jesus Questions the Title 1. To Redirect the Young Man’s Focus - The ruler addresses Jesus as a “good teacher,” apparently viewing Him as merely a human rabbi with commendable morals. - By challenging the word “good,” Jesus invites him to recognize that true, absolute goodness belongs to God. If Jesus is truly “good,” then Jesus must be more than a teacher—He must be God. 2. To Expose Self-Reliance - The man asks, “What must I do…?” His mindset is works-oriented. - Jesus’ reply dismantles any notion that human effort can attain divine goodness. Only God is good, so human works cannot secure eternal life. 3. To Lead Him to Acknowledge Jesus’ Deity - Jesus is not denying His own goodness; He is testing whether the ruler grasps who He really is. - Later, Jesus openly claims the title “good” for Himself: “I am the good shepherd” (John 10:11). The challenge in Mark 10:18 therefore serves to push the man toward confessing Jesus as God in the flesh. How Jesus Develops the Lesson - Jesus lists commandments dealing with human relationships (Mark 10:19). - The man claims he has kept them “from my youth” (v. 20), revealing confidence in his own goodness. - Jesus lovingly pinpoints the idol of his heart—wealth (v. 21)—showing that, despite outward obedience, his heart is divided. - The man walks away sad, proving he has not met the standard of God’s goodness. Affirming Jesus’ Goodness and Deity - Scripture consistently affirms Jesus’ sinlessness: - “In Him there is no sin” (1 John 3:5). - “He committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth” (1 Peter 2:22). - Because Jesus shares the Father’s divine nature (John 1:1; Colossians 2:9), He embodies perfect goodness. Takeaways for Today - Goodness originates in God alone; human morality cannot reach it apart from Him. - Jesus’ question forces every listener to decide: Is He merely a moral teacher, or is He the divine Son whose goodness can save? - Eternal life rests not on what we do but on trusting the One who is truly good—Jesus Christ, who gave Himself as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). Summary When Jesus asks, “Why do you call Me good?” He is not denying His goodness. He is revealing that true goodness belongs solely to God, exposing human insufficiency, and prompting recognition of His own divine identity. |
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