What does Matthew 19:17 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 19:17 contains a dialogue between Jesus and a man often referred to as the rich young ruler.

When the man calls Jesus "Good Master" and inquires about what actions he must take to achieve eternal life, Jesus first addresses the use of the word "good," emphasizing that only God is truly good.

Here, Jesus is not denying his own goodness or deity, but he is challenging the man’s understanding of what constitutes goodness.

It brings into focus the perfection of God as the standard for goodness and suggests a reflection upon the nature of human goodness contrasted with divine goodness.

The second part of Jesus' response points the man towards obedience to the commandments. This is an affirmation that the moral laws of the Old Testament remain a valid pathway to lead a life aligned with God’s will.

It is pivotal to understand that Jesus was not suggesting that salvation could be earned purely through keeping the law; rather, He was directing the individual to recognize his need for grace, as it becomes evident through the dialogue that follows this verse that compliance to the law alone is insufficient for eternal life.

Historical Context

Matthew 19:17 is set in first-century Palestine during the ministry of Jesus.

At this time, Jewish culture was heavily influenced by the Mosaic Law and the teachings of various religious sects, such as the Pharisees and Sadducees.

In Jesus' period, there was a strong belief in the Jewish community that adherence to the law would ensure righteousness and favor with God.

The man who approaches Jesus is generally thought to be wealthy, young, and of some standing, possibly a ruler.

This profile is important to understand the socio-religious context because someone in his position would be expected to have had rigorous instruction in the Torah and be earnest about his religious duties.

Theological Insights

There are several theological insights one may draw from Matthew 19:17.

One is the interpretation of Jesus' identity.

By redirecting the title of "good" solely to God, Jesus invites reflection on his nature and relationship with the Father.

Trinitarian theology sees this as a moment of teaching on the unity and distinction between Jesus and the Father.

Another insight concerns the concept of salvation. Jesus' instruction looks back to the law, yet in the Christian view, it anticipates the New Testament revelation that the law is not the end in itself but points towards a deeper need for inner transformation that the law cannot achieve.

It is faith in Jesus and grace, not works, that ultimately saves, which is a foundational tenet of Christian theology.

Practical Applications

The practical applications of Matthew 19:17 are relevant to contemporary life in various ways.

This verse can inspire individuals to consider the true nature of goodness, encouraging them not just to perform good deeds but to seek a transformation of the heart towards God's standards, recognizing that true goodness stems from God alone.

In ethical terms, it guides people to consider their motives and the integrity of their actions, advocating a life lived in accordance with God's commandments.

It is a reminder that while actions matter, they are not sufficient without a humble and seeking spirit that acknowledges the need for God's grace.

Cross-References

• Mark 10:18: "And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God."
• Luke 18:19: "And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God."
• Romans 3:20: "Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin."
• James 2:10: "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all."
• Galatians 3:24: "Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith."

Language Study

The original Greek term translated as "good" in this verse is "ἀγαθός" (agathos), which indicates intrinsic goodness or virtue, a concept of goodness that is complete and perfect.

The term for "God" is "θεός" (theos), the standard term for deity, with connotations of sovereignty and creative power.

The word "keep" (τήρησον, tērēson) from "keep the commandments" conveys not just obedience but active guarding or maintaining something of value.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many religious traditions, the delineation between gods and humans often included a moral dimension where gods represented an ideal form of goodness.

In Greek mythology, for instance, gods were sometimes depicted as morally ambiguous, but in many cases, they stood for perfection, including moral exemplars.

Comparatively, in Judaism, there is a clear monotheistic belief that God is the ultimate source of good and righteousness. In Buddhism, the concept of good is often tied to the idea of karma and acting in ways that reduce suffering and lead to enlightenment.

Scientific Perspectives

While science does not make value judgments on theological concepts like "goodness," psychological and sociological studies have long been interested in understanding the nature and origins of good behavior.

Some research has aligned with religious teaching in that altruism and sacrificial actions are seen as fundamental aspects of human goodness.

However, science often approaches these behaviors from a biological or social-evolutionary perspective, rather than attributing them to a divine source.

Commentaries

Commentators on this verse have divergent views.

Some suggest that Jesus is questioning the man’s understanding of "good" to draw attention to Jesus' divine identity. Others focus on the teaching that goodness belongs uniquely to God, and human attempts at goodness are incomplete without divine help.

19th-century theologian Albert Barnes, for example, emphasized that this encounter was meant to show the young ruler the broad and spiritual requirements of the law and his need for a Savior.

Contemporary biblical scholars like N.T.

Wright might argue that Jesus was pointing the man beyond the law to Jesus' own identity and mission as an indication of what was required to enter the kingdom of God.