Mark 10:17–18 (RSV):

“And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him, and asked him, ‘Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone.’”

 

Introduction

This Bible passage is part of the narrative between Jesus and the rich young ruler. The young ruler ran toward Christ and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus replied, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone.” There are two major controversies in this exchange: the nature of Christ and the way to salvation. However, in this message, we will focus on the meaning behind Jesus’ words: “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone.”

I will share two main points that help explain what this statement truly means.

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I. All Human Beings Are Not Good

In this statement, Jesus defines goodness not merely as doing the right thing, but as moral perfection, holiness, and being without fault or sin. His words affirm what the Apostle Paul later declared:.

 

Romans 3:12 (KJV):

“They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.”

 

This confirms that no human being is truly good—not one. But what about the good things people do? Like helping the poor, respecting elders, and doing charity work—isn’t that good?

Yes, in the eyes of people, those things may be considered good. However, in the eyes of God, all of these so-called good works are like filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6), especially if they are not done in faith (Romans 14:23).

 

II. Christ’s Claim About His Divinity

When Christ asked, “Why do you call me good?” He was responding to being addressed as “Good Master.” It was a challenge to the young ruler: Did he really understand what “good” means?

As explained earlier, “good” here refers to moral perfection, holiness, and being without sin. Jesus declared that only God is good, meaning only God is perfectly holy and righteous. God is the standard of goodness.

This raises a theological question: Was Jesus denying His divinity by saying only God is good? Some religious groups use this verse to claim that Jesus was not God.

But take a closer look—Jesus never denied being called good. He didn’t say, “Don’t call me good because I’m not God.” Instead, He challenged the young ruler’s understanding of what “good” truly means. If the young man really believed Jesus was good, then he was also acknowledging Jesus as divine.

Let’s look at one of Jesus’ “I AM” statements:

 

John 10:14–15 (RSV):

“I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.”

 

If Jesus had denied the title “Good Teacher,” why would He call Himself the Good Shepherd? The answer is clear: Christ was affirming His divinity. He is the only one who is truly sinless (see 1 John 3:6; 1 Peter 2:22; 2 Corinthians 5:21). On earth, no one is good—only Christ alone.

 

Conclusion

My friend, it is clear from this passage that you and I are sinners. We are not good, and all our self-righteousness is nothing in God’s sight. So the question is: How can you be forgiven? How can you be made righteous before God? The answer is: You cannot do it on your own. You need the righteousness of someone else—the righteousness of Christ.

He is the only one who is truly good. He paid the debt for your sin by dying on the cross and shedding His blood. This same Jesus rose again after three days, declaring victory over sin.

God is merciful, and He has shown His mercy and grace through Christ (John 1:14; Ephesians 2). If you repent of your sin (Luke 13:3; Psalm 32:5; 1 John 1:9) and put your trust in Christ (John 3:16; John 3:36; Romans 10:13), you will be forgiven, saved from the wrath to come, and receive eternal life. And in the end, all the glory will not point to yourself, but to God alone.