In a previous post, I addressed the question, “Did Jesus say he’s not good?” Using Scripture, we determined what Jesus did not say. I also mentioned that the Bible doesn’t exclusively attribute “being good” to God, nor does it imply that mankind cannot embody goodness. In truth, the Bible portrays virtuous, faithful, and upright individuals, which contradicts the interpretation that Jesus was denying he was good to the rich young ruler. He even referred to himself as “good,” which supports the idea that good is not solely attributed to God.
So, where do we get the idea that Jesus is saying he isn’t good and neither is anyone else, except God? Your guess is as good as mine. Let’s nonetheless try to understand what he was getting at. In this post, we’ll discuss what Jesus might have meant in his conversation with “the rich young ruler” when he asked, “Why do you call me good?”
Let me first explain how we’ll approach this. To begin, we’ll look at this most common translation of the passage and see if it can make sense in light of Scripture. I will then share my own thoughts and what I believe to be the deeper meaning of the account—and please note that I don’t intend to be insistent about these interpretations, but rather hope they will serve as a meeting point for believers to begin thinking critically about this and other passages rather than relying on traditional teaching that is not in line with Scripture.
It’s crucial to note that reexamining traditional interpretations doesn’t mean undermining the authority of the Bible. On the contrary, it’s an act of reverence for Scripture and a commitment to truly understanding its message. By critically evaluating traditional interpretations, we demonstrate our dedication to seeking the truth and embracing a more profound understanding of God’s word—also, I’m just not comfortable with things that make no sense to me.
So, our first step will be to examine the trees, branches, and a few leaves. Then, we’ll examine the forest as a whole. In other words, after we seriously break down some verses, we’ll try to determine what the conversation may have been about, what it meant, and if it has any application for us today. So, if you’re up for it, let’s get started!
But First, A Little Context
Let’s begin by taking a closer look at Mark’s gospel. In Mark chapter 10, we read about Jesus entering Judea and crossing the Jordan, where crowds came to him. As was his custom, he taught them the ways of God. Then, people started bringing little kids to Jesus to have him place his hands on them, but the disciples tried to stop them.
When Jesus saw what they were doing, he became angry and told them not to hinder the little children, because the kingdom of God belongs to those of like mind. He said that anyone who doesn’t receive God’s kingdom like a little child will never enter it. Afterward, he took the children into his arms, placed his hands on them, and blessed them.
Then, as he started on his way, a man ran up to Jesus and kneeled to him. He asked, “Good teacher,” what can I do so that I will obtain eternal life?” Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? There is none good except one—God.” Because of differences in Greek texts, some English translations translate Matthew 19:17 of the same account as “Why do you ask me about what is good?” instead of “Why do you call me good?” In this post, I’ll touch on both. But using Scripture and common sense, we determined previously that Jesus never said he wasn’t “good” nor did he say not to call him good. So, what might Yeshua have meant?
We should first take note of this guy’s attitude toward the Lord. According to Luke, he wasn’t just an ordinary man, but an extremely wealthy ruler (Lk. 18). Therefore, he would have been a powerful and influential person. Take a moment and think of any rich and famous person in a high position of authority. Now, can you imagine that person stopping everything they were doing to run out in the street to talk to you? In those days, many considered Jesus as an ordinary man. Nevertheless, this wealthy ruler was eager to meet with him. Why?
Most likely, he listened to the Lord teaching from in the crowd. Perhaps he was learning about eternal life for the first time and wanted to know how he could be included. Or maybe he thought he was a shoe-in for the kingdom, but Jesus said something to give him pause. Whatever the case was, this man had life-altering questions and Christ must have appeared to be the one who could answer them. Keeping this in mind will be helpful as we move forward.
The Meaning of Good
One problem I have with most explanations of this passage is that they fail to define the term “good” within the conversation’s context. The interpretation of the passage typically relies on a personal preconception of “good.” In another post, I delved into the meanings of good and evil and If interested, you can find that article here. But, let’s explore the meaning of the word translated as “good” in this particular passage.
The rich young ruler referred to Jesus as “didaskale agathe”(διδασκαλε αγαθε) which generally translates to “good teacher.” Agathe is the vocative form of the Greek adjective, agathos (αγαθος), which can also function as a noun. The word can mean gentle, capable, brave, or beneficial. Additionally, it can refer to persons or things that are honorable, distinguished, valiant, or excellent. The word agathos has several meanings in Scripture.
In the Septuagint, among other meanings, it refers to the best of something, such as the good of the land (Is. 1:19). The New Testament uses this term to describe morally upright persons. For example, Matthew 12:35 reads, “A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him…” (NIV). The word has been used in the Bible to refer to man (Matt. 5:45), God (Mark 10:17), and physical objects (Matt. 7:17). Nonetheless, the only sense in which agathos can be understood in the traditional translation of the passage is as a sign of honor, distinction, or excellence.
Why Do You Call Me Good?
With this specific idea of agathos in mind, the context of this conversation between Jesus and the rich young ruler begins to take on a more specific and meaningful interpretation. I believe that after hearing Jesus talk about how the kingdom of God belongs to people who are like little children and that those who don’t receive it as little children won’t enter the kingdom, the rich young ruler started to feel something was amiss. Maybe when Jesus spoke about self-righteousness (Lk. 18:9-14), he began to examine himself, as the Word began piercing his heart. Possibly, he began to wonder about his relationship with God. Or, perhaps he wanted to add an achievement to his resume.
Either way, his approach to Jesus, running up to him and kneeling down, indicates a deep sense of reverence and respect – he’s not simply addressing Jesus as an ordinary teacher, but recognizing him as a distinguished and excellent one. That would mean he excels above the rest. By addressing Jesus as “Good teacher,” the man isn’t necessarily making a statement about Jesus’ moral character, as the traditional interpretation has suggested. Rather, he’s acknowledging Jesus’ exceptional status as a teacher, one who stands out above all others.
As a discerning student, the young man acknowledges Jesus’ unique authority and wisdom as the Son of God. This interpretation aligns more closely with the biblical understanding of Jesus as the perfect embodiment of God’s teachings. So, having recognized Yeshua as an honorable teacher of good reputation (Matt. 7:29), who deserves esteem and respect, the man is praising him. Additionally, he appears to be seeking some sort of extra credit work or additional options for obtaining eternal life other than following the commandments of God. This seems to indicate that he believes that Jesus has the authority to change the rules and go above God.
If viewed through the lens of teaching and reputation rather than simple morality, the Lord’s words make more sense. For starters, I doubt Jesus is trying to get the young man to “think” and realize he’s God as some claim. I mean, for goodness sake, he’s the Son of God—not “The Riddler.” He promoted deep thinking through thought-provoking stories, not word games. Jesus wasn’t that kind of teacher. It wasn’t his approach. Additionally, there are too many instances where he clearly said he was sent by God and that he was the way to eternal life to believe he would, for some reason, play games with only this man.
Furthermore, he never dropped wisdom without explaining it to his followers or without the true meaning being clarified by the biblical author. Ultimately, I don’t believe he’d leave something so crucial to chance—that’s unbeneficial for everyone. Instead, he’s gently redirecting the young man’s focus away from outward appearances and status, and towards the true source of all wisdom and goodness, which is God himself.
Although Christ is worthy of honor as God’s Son, the Father is the only distinguished teacher. Therefore, Jesus humbled himself and rightly redirected the glory to his Father. This aligns with the biblical principle expressed in Job 36:22, which states that “God is exalted in his power. Who is a teacher like him?” The implication here is that true wisdom and teaching of the highest superiority can only come from the Father. Here are other passages that support this:
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! (Phil. 2:5-7)
For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken. (John 12:49)
Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. (John 14:10)
“I have much to say in judgment of you. But he who sent me is trustworthy, and what I have heard from him I tell the world.” (John 8:26)
But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, (Galatians 4:4)
So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. (John 13:12-17)
A servant is not above his master, nor is a messenger above the one who sent him. Christ, a servant of God, was sent by God. He only spoke what the Father instructed him to say. Jesus had authority from God, but he was not the ultimate authority (Matthew 7:29). Some recognized that he taught with authority, unlike the teachers of the law (Phil. 2:5-8) but he didn’t seek to make himself a reputation. Jesus simply reiterated God’s teachings, as all other teachers of the law were expected to do—he just did it way better.
This understanding, which I believe is the simplest, helps resolve the apparent contradiction of Jesus’ response, in which he seems to deny that anyone is “good” except God alone. Furthermore, this reading of the passage avoids the problematic implication of placing Jesus and God on the same level as mere mortals. What do I mean by this?—“There is no one good except God.” Consider what that statement implies. Out of all people, God is the only person who’s good. It’s pure foolishness. It’s true that the Bible compares God and man, but God should never be included in the rankings of men. The Creator cannot be rated among his creation—he is in a category all his own.
A Deeper Meaning
According to the most common translation of the passage, the above makes the most sense, biblically. Nevertheless, I believe the conversation went a bit differently, and was about something much deeper. The account of the “Rich Young Ruler” can be translated and interpreted in a different way beyond the surface-level reading. I’ve extended the dialogue for better comprehension, but an alternate understanding could look like this:
“Good teacher, what good (beneficial action or beneficial product) can I do (take, make, or present) to acquire eternal life? But, Jesus said to him, “Why are you asking me about a good thing? (a beneficial action or beneficial product) Nothing at all (including persons, things, and actions) is good (beneficial in attaining eternal life) except one—the divine (one) (ho theos). Therefore, if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.”
In Scripture, Jesus repeatedly emphasizes that he is the Life and the one who comes from God to bestow eternal life (Jn. 3:15-16; Jn. 4:14; Jn. 5:24; Jn. 6:40; Jn. 6:53-58; Jn. 6:27; Jn. 6:47; Jn. 10:28; Jn. 17:3; 1 Jn. 5:11-13; 1 Jn. 5:20; Rom. 5:21; Rom. 6:23; 1 Tim. 1:16; Jude 1:21). He is “the divine one” in which here, divine means “related to the nature of God” or “that which comes from God.” Christ is God’s Word in human flesh (Jn. 1:14). He is the bread of life that was sent down from heaven to give life to all who believe (Jn. 6:35). Faith in him, the embodied Word of God, is synonymous with faith in the commandments or teachings of God and is therefore, the only essential and the only thing profitable for gaining eternal life.
If you obey my decrees and my regulations, you will find life through them. I am the Lord.” (Lev. 18:5)
“Keep the commandments and keep your life; despising them leads to death.” (Prov. 19:16)
“‘I tell you the truth, anyone who obeys my teaching will never die!’” (John 8:51)
“During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.” (Heb. 5:7-9)
“And anyone who believes in God’s Son has eternal life. Anyone who doesn’t obey the Son will never experience eternal life but remains under God’s angry judgment.” (Jn. 3:36 NLT)
I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say.” (Jn. 12:50)
And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. (John 17:3)
We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did. (1 Jn. 2:3-6)
So, Jesus tells him if he wants to enter life, in other words, if you desire to be connected to me, the True Vine, the one who is, and grants eternal life, then follow the commandments as a demonstration of your faith and trust. Genuine faith in Jesus Christ is not merely a passive belief, but an active commitment to following his teachings and commands. Although we’re not accepted by God on the basis of our works, obedience becomes an essential and expected expression of our faith and trust in him—the one who loves him, will keep his word (Jn. 14). Thankfully, his teachings aren’t hard or burdensome (1 Jn. 5:3).
But, the young man then asks Jesus, which commandments should he obey? Christ then lists several commandments which the man, probably interrupting, claimed that he has dutifully kept since childhood, portraying himself as a righteous, upstanding individual. Well, I for one, believe his story. He’d never killed anyone–others probably did it for him. He’d never stolen anything—-was probably born with a silver spoon in his mouth. The man always honored his parents, because he probably didn’t see them much, and he hadn’t placed false blame upon anyone. He may have very well been an all-around good guy who helped people when necessary and gave to the poor.
Yet Jesus perceives that something is still lacking – the man lacks endurance, the unwavering faith that can withstand the trials and tribulations of life. Is it possible that the Lord’s teaching on persistence is what caught his attention? (Lk. 18:1-8) The question he needs to answer is, if his life takes a negative turn, would he still follow these commandments? Would he resort to stealing or killing to maintain his status quo or to cling to his possessions? Would he forsake the Son and the Father in times of persecution? Or for personal gain? Even Christ learned obedience from what he suffered (Heb. 5:7-9). But, it appears he’s never faced any challenges to prepare him for the journey ahead. After all, he’s still considered “young.”
As Jesus had before mentioned to another, one should strive to enter into the narrow gate (Lk. 13:22-28). With so many things to throw us off the path—riches, pleasure, false teachers, etc.—it’s not as easy as it may seem. And this man—is like the seed that fell among thorns, his spiritual growth choked by the cares, riches and pleasures of the world (Lk. 8:14-15). If true adversity were to strike, the man may very well give up, unable to persevere.
As the epistle of James teaches, it’s through testing and trials that one develops the patience and maturity needed to receive the “crown of life.” (James 1). The rich young ruler, so comfortable in his wealth and status, has not yet been strengthened by such refining fires. The boy had no “fight” in him. For crying out loud, he tried to buy eternal life – he really didn’t understand. A similar situation happened with Simon the sorcerer who thought he could buy the things of God (Acts 8:9-25).
But, the Rabbi looks at him, and being well-pleased with him (Mk. 10:21), calls him to become his disciple. Despite what some say, this man wasn’t seeking to test or trap Jesus. The fact that he went away sorrowful and that Jesus was pleased with him, indicates he was sincere and that the Lord wanted to help him. So, Yeshua tells him the first step is to go sell all you have and give the money to the poor. Get rid of the things standing in the way of you producing fruit and that may hinder you from receiving eternal life, and then come, follow me and I will teach you and strengthen you.
Jesus is essentially telling this man that he does not yet possess what it takes to endure to the end because his faith is superficial, easily shaken by the allures of the material world. But to truly follow Christ and enter the “kingdom of God” – the realm of divine thinking and living – the man had to be tested. He had to be willing to let go of his earthly possessions and attachments. Only then could he wholeheartedly devote himself to the narrow path that leads to life. Only then could he be perfect, complete, mature (Matt. 19:21; James. 1:4). He had to give up that which was hindering him.
It was a call to discipleship—a call to bear much fruit in the service of the Lord. But he wasn’t the first person to receive this request. Elisha had a similar call (1 Kgs. 19:19-21). But, in contrast to the young ruler, he did the exact opposite. Elisha went and killed his cattle and cooked them over wood from his plowing equipment and fed the people with them. Then, he went and followed Elijah. He gave up all he had and his way to make a living to follow after the prophet of God—that took pure faith. And the Lord did not disappoint. Through God’s power, Elisha accomplished things he never could have imagined had he clung to his former life, plowing in the fields.
But this rich man couldn’t find it in himself to do the same. Probably because this is a difficult proposition for one accustomed to the pleasures and privileges of wealth. And so, rather than considering it pure joy to be tested, the man departs sorrowfully, unable to grasp the immense spiritual benefit he would gain, by surrendering everything to follow the Lord. That’s probably why Jesus said it’s hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God. When he said it was difficult for a rich person to enter the kingdom, he wasn’t referring to “heaven” or salvation, but rather to entering a divine state of mind and living. From a heavenly perspective, it was hard for the man to understand because his heart, or “mind,” was on his earthly treasure (Matt. 6:21).
After Jesus said this, his disciples were confused and asked, “Who can be saved then?” Jesus replied, “With man this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible.” With God–-the loving, gracious, powerful, patient, and forgiving Father that he is—anyone can be saved, even the rich who may acknowledge him, but refuse to give up their lives so that they can discover their true purpose (Matt. 16:25). In response, Peter, perhaps a bit aggravated, asked, “Well, Lord, what about us?” “If they can be saved having given up nothing, but we’ve given up everything to follow you, what do we get?”
The Lord tells them that those who have given up much for his sake will be the ones who will rule over or inherit much at the renewal of all things, whereas those who are in power and position now and don’t want to give up their wealth and power to follow God wholeheartedly as he calls them, will become less important. They may not attain the same exalted status as those who have sacrificed for the sake of the gospel. Therefore, many who are first, or who are “something,” will become last, or of lower rank, or importance, and many who are last will be first, or “exalted.”
Conclusion
At its core, this exchange reveals a man who is earnestly seeking eternal life, asking the “Good teacher” (Jesus) what he must do to obtain it. However, Jesus discerns that the man’s perspective is flawed – he views eternal life as something that can be earned or purchased through goods and moral behavior.
But Jesus gently corrects this misunderstanding, explaining that no good “thing” or human effort can truly secure eternal life. Rather, the path to life everlasting is found in believing and trusting in the one who comes from God, Jesus Christ himself because Jesus is the very embodiment of life, and the one entrusted by God to bestow the gift of eternal existence.
The first lesson here is that eternal life is not something that can be bought or earned, but is a gift of grace received through unwavering faith and trust in Christ – a faith that is tested and strengthened through life’s trials.The passage doesn’t teach that all believers must give up everything they own to follow God or get to heaven. Those who do, however, will receive eternal rewards. The passage also doesn’t say that the rich cannot be saved eternally.
Additionally, there is no indication that this man would not inherit eternal life. On the other hand, there’s no indication that he did. It is unclear what happened to him after he walked away from Jesus, but what seems to have happened to him was that he did not receive the fullness of life God had planned for him, nor did he receive the opportunity to bear much fruit for the kingdom and to store up everlasting treasure in heaven (Matt. 6:19-21) since he was too earthly-minded to be any heavenly-good.
James 1:12-15 in the NIV reads, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” Ultimately, the crown of life will be awarded to those who love the Lord. As many have previously pointed out, the focus was not on money in this situation. The man’s love and devotion to God is what’s being evaluated.
When Jesus was questioned about the most significant commandment in the Torah, He replied, that the greatest and most important commandment is: “‘You are to love Adonai your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.’ (CJB) In both the Hebrew Bible and the Septuagint, the words translated as “strength,” (though translated in most English versions as “mind”) refers to one’s power, influence, and resources.
Then, Jesus said, “And a second is similar to it, ‘You are to love your neighbor as yourself.’” (v.39 CJB) If the man had followed Jesus’ instructions, he would have obeyed both commands and would have treasures in heaven and the fulfilling life the Lord had in store for him. Unfortunately, he was unable to comprehend this because he was fixated on material possessions and social status.
This should be a reminder to us.
The blessings we receive in this life are wonderful, but they shouldn’t hinder us from doing the work God has called us to do nor should we treat them as more important than the one who gave the blessings. We should keep reminding ourselves and each other that our current situation is only temporary and the pleasures of this world will pass away. Nevertheless, the wealth we store up in heaven will last forever. While we shouldn’t despise the good we have on earth, we should be willing to give it up if the Lord requests it. Additionally, while we have it, we should use it to help others.
We shouldn’t put all our energy into working for the food that spoils but for the food that endures to eternal life (Jn. 6:27). We should consistently study to be able to discern what is good according to God, so we can learn how to choose what is beneficial for building his kingdom, walking humbly with him, and gaining eternal life. “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.” (1 Cor. 9:24-25)
“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.”
– Jim Elliot
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