Matthew 19:17

Why callest thou me good? Evidently the manner in which the young man addressed Jesus was quite unusual (cf. John 3:2). There seems to be no record in rabbinical literature that rabbis were ever addressed as “good.” On the contrary, in the Mishnah, God Himself is spoken of as “he that is good and bestows good” (Berakoth 9.2, Soncino ed. of the Talmud, p. 327). The young man’s station in life and his office of public trust (see on Matt. 19:16) indicate that he did not call Jesus “good Master” out of ignorance or carelessness. It was obvious that he had a reason for doing so, and Jesus sought to draw out of him a public statement of that reason. Jesus’ explanation, “there is none good but one” was to help the young man to realize clearly the import of his salutation. Jesus recognized the sincerity and discernment of the young man, and thought to strengthen his faith by drawing out of him an even clearer statement of it.

None good but one. Supreme goodness is a characteristic of God alone (Ex. 34:6; Ps. 23:6; 27:13; 31:19; 52:1; Rom. 2:4; etc.). Jesus does not disavow His deity, as might at first appear, but rather clarifies and emphasizes the full significance of the young man’s statement.

Enter into life. Equivalent to the expression, “enter into the kingdom of heaven” (see ch. 5:20). In view of the fact that Jesus includes both this life and the life to come in His remarks on the rewards of discipleship (see Matt. 19:29; Mark 10:30; Luke 18:30), it may be appropriate to conclude that both the kingdom of grace and the kingdom of glory are included here.

Commandments. Gr. entolai, “precepts,” “orders,” “charges,” or “commands” (cf. on Ps. 19:8). The entolai are the specific, individual requirements, or commands, enjoined upon men by the “law,” Gr. nomos (cf. on Ps. 19:7; Prov. 3:1). It is the will of God that man shall reflect His character, and His character may be summed up in the one word “love” (1 John 4:7-12). To reflect the character, or “love,” of God, we will love Him supremely and our neighbor as ourselves (see on Matt. 22:37, 39). If we inquire as to how we are to express our love to God and our fellow men, God gives us the answer in the Ten Commandments (see Ex. 20:3-17), which Christ explained and exalted (see on Isa. 42:21) in the Sermon on the Mount (see Matt. 5:17-48). All the civil laws of Moses in the OT and the instructions of Christ and the apostles in the NT clarify the divine requirements set forth in the Ten Commandments and apply them to the practical problems of daily living. The young man professed to love God, but the real test of that love, Jesus says, is to be found in the way he treats his fellow men (see 1 John 4:20). “If ye love me,” Jesus says, “keep my commandments” (John 14:15).