Matthew 19:17- “‘Why do you ask me about what is good?’ Jesus replied. ‘There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.’”
An Extended Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, Jesus responds to the rich young man’s question about eternal life by challenging his understanding of goodness. Jesus points out that ultimate goodness belongs to God alone. By redirecting the man’s focus to God’s perfect standard, Jesus subtly invites him to reflect on his own need for God’s grace rather than relying on his own efforts.
Jesus then tells the man to keep the commandments if he wants to “enter life.” This doesn’t mean that salvation comes from keeping rules. Instead, Jesus is using the man’s own framework—his focus on good works—to guide him toward the deeper truth that no one can perfectly fulfill the law apart from God. The conversation is meant to reveal the man’s misplaced confidence in his own abilities.
Historical Context
At the time, Jewish culture emphasized obedience to the Mosaic law as a way to honor God. Many believed that meticulous law-keeping was the key to righteousness and eternal life. The young man likely approached Jesus as a respected teacher to validate his understanding of the law and to ensure he hadn’t missed any critical actions.
Jesus’ response reflects the deeper truth of the Jewish Scriptures: while the law reveals God’s standard, it also shows humanity’s inability to meet that standard perfectly. The law points people to their need for God’s mercy and forgiveness.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights two key theological truths:
- God’s Perfect Goodness: Only God is truly good, and human attempts at goodness fall short of His perfect standard.
- The Role of the Law: The law serves to reveal God’s will and our inability to fulfill it perfectly, pointing us to our need for salvation through Jesus Christ.
Jesus’ response also challenges self-righteousness and calls people to recognize their dependence on God. While obedience to God’s commands is important, it is not the means to salvation but rather a response to God’s grace.
Literary Analysis
Jesus’ rhetorical question, “Why do you ask me about what is good?” draws the young man’s attention to the deeper issue at hand: the source of goodness. By emphasizing that only God is good, Jesus redirects the conversation from human actions to divine character.
The phrase “if you want to enter life” ties eternal life to obedience, but Jesus’ broader teaching shows that this obedience is not about earning salvation. Instead, it’s about recognizing our need for God’s intervention and living in alignment with His will.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Romans 3:10-12 – “There is no one righteous, not even one.” This passage emphasizes humanity’s inability to meet God’s standard of goodness.
- Psalm 119:1-2 – A reflection on the joy of following God’s commandments, showing their importance in guiding a godly life.
- Matthew 5:48 – Jesus’ command to “be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect,” which underscores the impossibility of achieving this without God.
- Galatians 3:24 – The law as a “guardian” that leads us to Christ, showing that it reveals our need for Him.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse challenges us to reflect on where we place our confidence. Are we trusting in our own goodness or relying on God’s grace? It reminds us that no matter how many good deeds we perform, they can never earn us a place in God’s kingdom. Instead, salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ.
This verse also calls us to honor God by obeying His commandments, not to earn His favor but as a response to His love and goodness. It encourages us to recognize God as the ultimate source of goodness and to rely on Him for strength to live according to His will.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is evident in His perfect goodness. He sets a standard of holiness not to frustrate us but to show us our need for Him. His commandments guide us toward a life that reflects His character and leads to true fulfillment.
This verse also demonstrates God’s patience. Jesus doesn’t immediately rebuke the young man’s misunderstanding but uses the opportunity to gently lead him toward a deeper truth about salvation and the nature of God.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus, as the Son of God, embodies the perfect goodness of God. By pointing the young man to God as the only source of goodness, Jesus is also pointing to Himself as the one who fulfills the law and provides the way to eternal life.
Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus accomplishes what no human effort could achieve. He perfectly keeps the commandments and offers His righteousness to those who place their trust in Him. This verse sets the stage for the revelation that eternal life is found in following Jesus, not in merely keeping rules.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does this verse teach you about God’s standard of goodness?
- How does this verse challenge you to evaluate your own understanding of salvation?
- In what ways can we honor God’s commandments without falling into the trap of trying to earn His favor?
- How does recognizing God’s perfect goodness deepen your trust in Him?
- How does Jesus’ response to the young man inspire you to approach others with patience and truth?