Luke 18:19 – “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Jesus responds to the rich young ruler’s greeting, where the man had called Him “Good teacher.” Instead of immediately answering the man’s question about eternal life, Jesus addresses the way the man views goodness. By asking, “Why do you call me good?” Jesus is not denying His goodness or deity, but He is prompting the man to think about the true source of goodness. Jesus points out that no one is truly good except God, highlighting the difference between human and divine goodness.
The man likely thought of goodness as something people could achieve by following the law and doing good deeds. But Jesus is shifting his understanding by pointing to God as the ultimate standard of goodness. In doing so, Jesus is setting the stage for the larger conversation about the man’s need for something deeper than good works—he needs God’s grace and a relationship with Him.
Historical Context
In first-century Jewish culture, the concept of goodness was often tied to obedience to the law of Moses. Pharisees and religious leaders were seen as examples of goodness because they followed the law strictly and performed religious duties. The rich young ruler, who likely viewed himself as a good person because of his moral behavior, expected Jesus to confirm that eternal life could be earned through good deeds.
However, Jesus challenges this understanding by redirecting the conversation to God’s perfect goodness. In Jewish teachings, God alone was considered perfectly righteous and holy. By emphasizing that only God is good, Jesus is confronting the common belief that human effort can achieve the same standard of goodness.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches that human beings are not inherently good and cannot achieve goodness on their own. While people may do good things, their goodness is always limited and imperfect compared to God’s perfect righteousness. This is a foundational Christian belief: all people are sinners and fall short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). Jesus’ statement underscores the need for God’s grace because no one can be good enough to earn eternal life.
Jesus’ response also points to His own identity. By asking the man why he called Him good and stating that only God is good, Jesus is hinting at His divine nature. He is inviting the man to recognize that if Jesus is truly good, then He must be more than just a teacher—He is God in the flesh.
Literary Analysis
This verse serves as a turning point in the conversation between Jesus and the rich young ruler. The man’s question about what he must do to inherit eternal life is based on a misunderstanding of goodness, and Jesus addresses this issue right away. The rhetorical question, “Why do you call me good?” draws attention to the man’s flawed perspective and sets the stage for the larger lesson.
The contrast between human goodness and God’s goodness is a key theme in this passage. By pointing out that only God is good, Jesus is not only emphasizing God’s holiness but also exposing the inadequacy of human efforts to achieve righteousness.
Biblical Cross-References
- Romans 3:10 – “As it is written: ‘There is no one righteous, not even one.'”
- Psalm 14:3 – “All have turned away, all have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.”
- Isaiah 64:6 – “All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags.”
- Mark 10:18 – “‘Why do you call me good?’ Jesus answered. ‘No one is good—except God alone.’”
These verses support the idea that true goodness comes from God, and humans cannot achieve it through their own efforts.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a reminder that salvation cannot be earned through good behavior or moral achievements. Many people believe that being a “good person” is enough to please God, but Jesus’ teaching challenges this assumption. True goodness belongs to God, and humans can only experience it through a relationship with Him.
This verse also encourages believers to recognize their dependence on God’s grace. Instead of striving to earn God’s favor through works, Christians are called to trust in His goodness and the work of Jesus Christ on the cross. Knowing that God is perfectly good brings comfort and assurance because His love, justice, and mercy are unfailing.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is demonstrated in the fact that, despite human inability to be perfectly good, He provides a way for people to be made right with Him. God’s goodness is not only a standard to be acknowledged but a gift to be received through faith in Jesus Christ. His love reaches out to imperfect, sinful people and offers them forgiveness and eternal life.
God’s goodness also assures believers that He is trustworthy. Because God is perfectly good, His plans and purposes for His people are always for their ultimate good (Romans 8:28). His love is expressed in His patience, kindness, and the gift of salvation.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus’ statement about goodness points directly to His role as the Savior. Although He asks the man why he calls Him good, Jesus is not denying His goodness. Instead, He is prompting the man to recognize that Jesus’ goodness is tied to His divine identity. Jesus is not just a good teacher—He is God in the flesh, the only one who can provide the way to eternal life.
Through His sinless life, Jesus demonstrated the perfect goodness that no human could achieve. His death on the cross and resurrection provide the means by which sinners can be made righteous before God. By trusting in Jesus, believers receive the goodness of God as a gift of grace.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does Jesus’ statement about goodness teach you about human nature and the need for God’s grace?
- How does understanding that only God is truly good affect the way you approach Him in prayer and worship?
- Are there any areas in your life where you are relying on your own goodness instead of trusting in God’s grace?
- What does it mean to you that Jesus, as God in the flesh, demonstrated perfect goodness through His life and sacrifice?
- How can you share the truth of God’s goodness with others who may be trying to earn their way to heaven through good works?