The Right Words

The Right Words

Mark 10:17-18, NLT

As Jesus was starting out on his way to Jerusalem, a man came running up to him, knelt down, and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18“Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked. “Only God is truly good.”

Setting the Scene

Matthew describes the man who ran up to Jesus as “young” (19:22, NLT), and Luke says he was a “religious leader” (18:18, NLT). We know that this young man was both wealthy (Mark 10:22) and of prominent social standing. Considering the man’s position, the fact that he knelt down reveals his respect for Jesus. Then he addressed Jesus as “good Teacher,” not the more common “rabbi.” Both of these actions indicate that the young man was sincere with his inquiry, unlike many of the other religious leaders who had interviewed Jesus. And the man’s question concerned eternal life, the most important issue for anyone.

Instead of responding directly to the question asked, Jesus turned the conversation to God by pointing out that “only God is truly good.” Jesus wanted the man to take his attention off himself and Jesus, whom he probably thought was merely a “good teacher,” and instead to think about God’s absolute goodness. If the young man truly did this, he would conclude that he could do nothing to obtain eternal life.

Jesus was also saying, “Do you really know the one to whom you’re talking?” In effect the young man confirmed Jesus’ deity. Probably without realizing what he was saying, the man was calling Jesus “God” because only God is truly good.

The man’s question contains a contradiction in his use of the two verbs “do” and “inherit.” An inheritance comes to members of a family (and, in our culture, to others named in a will). A person doesn’t normally “do” anything in order to inherit. Yet most people, this man included, expect that certain good works or a compilation of them must be necessary in order to become right with God and live forever. But salvation is by grace alone, which Jesus would explain a bit later in the story.

Getting Personal

What makes you believe that Jesus is more than just a good religious teacher, that he is fully God?

Knowing that Jesus is God, what claims of his on your life must you take more seriously?

This rich and young religious leader wanted to be sure he would live forever after he died, so he asked what he should do, viewing eternal life as something that one achieves. Although this man had been a meticulous commandment-keeper (Mark 10:20), he still had concerns about his eternal destiny and thought Jesus could help him. He was correct about Jesus (more than he knew), and he came with the right attitude. We don’t know the young man’s heart; his question seems to be sincere. But he may have wanted to add Jesus to his résumé or to make sure he had considered all his options. Instead, Jesus wants total allegiance, total commitment, from all of us; he’s not an add-on. And as we’ll soon see, this young man was unable to accept that truth as Jesus answered his question.

Talking to God

In our world where so much seems to depend on our actions and our control, it is hard for us to accept that we can do nothing to earn salvation or God’s favor. But praise God today for this truth! Your salvation is purchased fully by Jesus, and God has complete control of your days.