Why do you call me good?

Hi there,

This week we are going to copy out the story of the "Rich and the Kingdom of God" from Mark Chapter 10.

Matthew 19 and Luke 18 also tell this story in almost exact detail but with some subtle differences. I've chosen Mark's version specifically for the inclusion of one verse not found in the other two. I'll discuss this tomorrow.

A detail I picked up on in today's verses (and not included in Matthew or Luke's account) was the urgency of the man running up to Jesus and falling to his knees.

The insistent pace of events is something that most characterizes Mark's Gospel, so I smiled when I noted this and found it absent in the other gospel accounts.

It's very 'Mark.'

Today's text is Mark 10: 17-20.

Today's verses are in black and red and tomorrow's are in grey. I've provided them for context and clarity.

The Rich and the Kingdom of God

¹⁷ As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

¹⁸ “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. ¹⁹ You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.’”

²⁰ “Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.”

²¹ Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

²² At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.

²³ Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!”

Encouragement

Comparing the gospel accounts and noting the subtle differences has always reassured me that these are reliable accounts by people close to the events being recounted.

The differences are often in emphasis or small details. Combined together, they paint a fuller, richer picture.

This week, I'd encourage you to keep the other versions close to hand and to read and compare as you go.

Andy