Scripture to Read: Luke 18:18-21
Jesus was often questioned by religious leaders, political rulers, and others who were seen as having power and status. One such ruler questioned Jesus, as we read in Luke 18:18–21, “A ruler questioned Him, saying, ‘Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?’ 19 And Jesus said to him, ‘Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone. 20 You know the commandments, ‘Do not commit adultery, Do not murder, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.’” 21 And he said, ‘All these things I have kept from my youth.’” If someone were to ask us, “What do I have to do to inherit eternal life?” most Christians would jump at the chance to tell them how they must repent, confess their sin, and humbly come to Christ and surrender to Him as Lord and Savior. But Jesus asked the ruler a question first. Jesus asked the ruler why he called Him good and that no one is good except for God. This would have challenged the ruler to examine Jesus’ identity. For if the ruler truly thought Jesus to be “good,” then Jesus was not just a teacher, but God in the flesh. The ruler also thought he could earn eternal life by doing enough “good.” Notice that Jesus only lists five of the Ten Commandments, all dealing with how the ruler related to others but not about the ruler’s relationship with God. The ruler felt good about himself, but Jesus knew the ruler’s heart did not belong to God.
Challenge & Application
Why did Jesus ask the ruler a question about goodness?
How has God used you to help lead someone to know and follow Christ as Lord of all?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!