Deity of Christ
Jesus said, "Why do you call me good? No one is good except God."
Short answer
Jesus wasn't denying that he was good or that he was God. He was challenging the man to think about his own words: if only God is good, and you call me good, what are you saying about me? Elsewhere Jesus claimed to be without sin and called himself "the good shepherd."
In simple words: Jesus asked a question to make the man think. Only God is truly good, and Jesus is truly good. So who is Jesus?
Response
A rich man runs up to Jesus and calls him "Good teacher" (Mark 10:17-22). Jesus answers, "Why do you call me good? No one is good, except God alone."
Jesus does not say, "Don't call me good, because I am not." He asks a question. The man was using "good" casually, as a compliment to a respected rabbi. Jesus presses him to consider what the word really means. If only God is truly good, then calling Jesus good is either flattery or a confession.
The rest of the conversation points the same way. Jesus tells the man to give away his wealth and "come, follow me." Eternal treasure is found by following Jesus himself.
If Jesus had meant "I am not good," he would have been confessing sin. But he challenged his enemies, "Can any of you prove me guilty of sin?" (John 8:46), and called himself "the good shepherd" (John 10:11). The apostles, who lived with him for years, testified that he never sinned (1 Peter 2:22; Hebrews 4:15).
Key evidence
- Jesus asks a question; he does not deny being good.
- Jesus claims sinlessness (John 8:46) and calls himself the good shepherd (John 10:11).
- The apostles testify that Jesus never sinned (1 Peter 2:22; Hebrews 4:15; 2 Corinthians 5:21).
- In the same conversation, Jesus makes following himself the path to eternal treasure.
Bible passages
- Mark 10:17-22 "Why do you call me good?"
- John 8:46 "Can any of you prove me guilty of sin?"
- John 10:11 "I am the good shepherd."
- Hebrews 4:15 Tempted, yet without sin.
- 1 Peter 2:22 "He committed no sin."
Discussion questions
- Why do you think Jesus answered with a question?
- If only God is good and Jesus is good, what follows?
- What does Jesus invite the man to do, and what does that say about Jesus?