In the Gospel of Mark, we encounter a striking statement from Jesus that resonates through the ages: "Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone." (Mark 10:18, ESV) At first glance, these words might seem perplexing or even disheartening. How can Jesus, who embodied love, compassion, and all that is virtuous, claim that no one is good? To unravel this mystery, we must delve into the depths of what true goodness means within the context of Christian faith.
The passage in which Jesus makes this declaration is a pivotal moment in his ministry. A rich young ruler approaches Jesus, kneeling before him, and asks what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus responds with a challenge, instructing him to sell all he has and give to the poor. The young man, deeply attached to his possessions, walks away sorrowful. It is in this context that Jesus makes the enigmatic statement about goodness.
Jesus, in his divine wisdom, is not denying the existence of goodness in humanity. Rather, he is pointing to the ultimate source and standard of goodness, which is God Himself. Throughout the Bible, we see the inherent goodness of God proclaimed. In Genesis, God's creation is described as "good" multiple times. (Genesis 1:31) Psalm 100:5 tells us, "For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations."
In recognizing that goodness emanates from God alone, Jesus is redirecting our focus from our own merit to the divine origin of all that is good. When the young ruler addresses him as "good teacher," Jesus invites him to consider the true nature of goodness. It is not merely about following commandments or performing outwardly righteous deeds. True goodness flows from a heart that is aligned with God's will, motivated by love, compassion, and selflessness.
Human goodness, on the other hand, is often flawed and limited. We are prone to selfishness, pride, and sin. Even our best intentions can be tainted by mixed motives. This is why Jesus' statement serves as a humbling reminder of our need for God's grace and transformation. Our goodness, when detached from God, is like a flickering candle compared to the blazing sun of His perfect goodness.
Yet, there is hope in Jesus' words. While no one apart from God is inherently good, through Christ, we are invited into a new way of being. When we surrender our lives to Him, His Spirit works within us, shaping and molding us to reflect His goodness. As the apostle Paul writes in Galatians 5:22-23, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."
In the Christian tradition, saints are often venerated for their exemplary lives, marked by deeds of goodness and holiness. Yet, even they would acknowledge that their goodness is a reflection of God's grace at work within them. They point us not to their own achievements, but to the transformative power of God's love.
So, when Jesus declares, "No one is good except God alone," he invites us into a deeper understanding of goodness. It is not a status we can achieve on our own, but a gift we receive through faith and surrender. When we acknowledge our own limitations and turn to God, He fills us with His goodness, enabling us to love and serve others in profound ways.
In conclusion, Mark 10:18 challenges us to reevaluate our understanding of goodness. It is not a self-made virtue but a divine attribute that we are called to reflect. As we journey in faith, let us seek to abide in God, the source of all goodness, allowing His Spirit to transform us from within. May our lives be a testimony to the truth that true goodness is found in God alone.
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