No one is good except God alone.
Ever So Subtle
Luke 18:18-20
A certain ruler asked him, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
"Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good — except God alone. You know the commandments: 'Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother.'" NIV
Most examinations of this scripture focus on the verses that follow and on the rich young ruler going away sad because Jesus told him to sell everything that he had, give the money to the poor, and come follow him. Let’s look at this introductory exchange.
The man asks the Good Teacher a question. Jesus says why do you call me good, that no one is good except God. This should have been sufficient cause to dismiss the question all together, but Jesus answers. In fact he answers two questions. The second includes a list of commandments, but the first question—the more subtle one, “are you God?” gets answered as well. The answer is yes.
We do well to notice that in the commandments given to this young man, those that refer to God and our direct relationship with God were omitted. Perhaps they were omitted as unnecessary. The young man was in the presence of the Lord your God. This is something of a self proclamation that Jesus is Lord.
I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.
"You shall have no other gods before me.
"You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand [ generations] of those who love me and keep my commandments.
"You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.
"Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the Lord your God has commanded you. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your ox, your donkey or any of your animals, nor the alien within your gates, so that your manservant and maidservant may rest, as you do. Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the Lord your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore the Lord your God has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day. Deuteronomy 5:6-15 NIV
This survey explores and confirms that this is a very viable thread throughout the gospels, epistles, and eschatology of the New Testament. Decide for yourself if you agree with Dr. Rustenhaven and myself, that the message of the New Testament is JESUS IS LORD!
Working Day Wisdom
Weekend Wisdom
One Month to Live Writing Contest [read more]
Join the One Month to Live challenge.
Here are some articles that look at the very challenging book of James.
Photo - psbchurch.org
How about something from the Gospel of Matthew
About being a servant in a society that says, that dog don't hunt.
What do you call a guy with degrees in Political Science and Biblical Studies? What do you call someone that served as a Marine Officer for over 20 years and now pastors a church? What do you call someone with this unique perspective of the kingdom of the world and the kingdom of God?
Most folks just call me Tom.
Take a look on the political side, try A Good Read.
Check out a leadership mix of Pastor, Parent, Marine, and American in Forward Deployed.
Comments