Why does Jesus say, "No one is good except God alone" in Mark 10:18? “No One Is Good Except God Alone” (Mark 10:18) Contextual Setting Mark 10:17–22 recounts the encounter between Jesus and the rich young ruler. Approaching Christ, the man kneels and addresses Him as “Good Teacher,” asking, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” (v. 17). Jesus’ immediate reply—“Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone” (v. 18)—frames the ensuing dialogue on law-keeping, wealth, and discipleship. Old Testament Foundation for Divine Goodness Jesus grounds His statement in Israel’s monotheistic confession. Repeatedly, Scripture ascribes unqualified goodness solely to Yahweh: • “You are good and do what is good” (Psalm 119:68). • “Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever” (Psalm 136:1). This premise leads to the universal verdict on humanity: “There is no one who does good, not even one” (Psalm 14:3; cf. Romans 3:12). Jesus’ Rhetorical Aim 1. Expose self-reliance. By challenging the ruler’s use of “good,” Jesus redirects attention from human merit to God’s absolute standard. 2. Clarify true discipleship. The subsequent call to renounce wealth (v. 21) tests whether the man recognizes Jesus as divine Lord or merely an ethical instructor. 3. Invite recognition of His deity. If only God is good and the ruler is correct to call Jesus good, then logically Jesus is God. The question presses the ruler toward that confession. Did Jesus Deny His Own Goodness? No. Rather than disclaiming divinity, Jesus elevates the term “good” to its highest possible meaning. Throughout Mark, Jesus implicitly and explicitly shares prerogatives that belong to God alone—authority to forgive sins (2:5–7), command over nature (4:39-41), and lordship of the Sabbath (2:28). Far from distancing Himself from goodness, He redefines it in a way that demands a decision about His identity. Human Inability and the Necessity of Grace The ruler’s boast of law-keeping (10:20) collides with Jesus’ penetrating citation of the commandments (10:19). Romans 3:23 summarizes the universal plight: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Isaiah 64:6 adds that our righteous deeds are “filthy rags.” Since “no one is good,” salvation must come by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9), supplied by the perfect, risen Christ (Romans 4:25). Christological Implications • Ontological Goodness: By nature, Jesus possesses the divine goodness He attributes to God alone (John 1:1, 14; Colossians 2:9). • Moral Perfection: Hebrews 4:15 affirms He was “without sin,” validating His atoning sufficiency (2 Corinthians 5:21). • Resurrection Confirmation: The historical evidence for the empty tomb, post-mortem appearances, and the disciples’ transformative conviction corroborates His unparalleled authority (1 Corinthians 15:3-7). Practical and Behavioral Applications 1. Humility: Recognize personal moral insufficiency. 2. Worship: Acknowledge God alone as the source of untainted goodness. 3. Dependence: Rest in Christ’s righteousness, not personal performance. 4. Discipleship: Follow Jesus with undivided allegiance, surrendering rival allegiances such as wealth, status, or self-sufficiency. Summary Statement When Jesus says, “No one is good except God alone,” He affirms the exclusive, absolute goodness of God, exposes human inadequacy, and subtly discloses His own divine identity. The remark dismantles works-based aspirations, directs seekers to divine grace, and advances the redemptive narrative culminating in the cross and resurrection. |
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