One Who is Good

Matthew 19:17 - There is one who is good.

Clearly this is a reference to God, YHVH. Since we Christians believe that Jesus was and is the son of God, it's clear that Jesus is hiding his true self here. He is distinguishing between himself - his human self - and God. This shieing away from being called "good" is yet another challenge to the man wh  asked the question. Why do you call me good ... There is one who is good." The implication here is that the man should be asking God, the Rabbi's. The statement highlights his challenge to the man and the reasons behind his question.

 Jesus is continually pointing to God in his ministry. He wants his followers (us) to keep their (our) eyes on God and the things of God rather than the business of people on earth. Jesus continually points to God as the Shepherd of Israel - are we looking at where he is pointing? Or are we looking at his finger? This focus on God, continues in his final sentence - "But if you would have life, keep the commandments." The Law from God. Look to God's law, God's words rather than human beings or our wisdom or laws.

Where does the "deep story" come in here? What does Jesus see in this man to give him what amounts to a non-answer? Denial about his true situation? Arrogance? Complacency? I say 'non-answer' because Jesus only tells the man what he already knows, which seems to hint that our conclusion of the last post that Jesus was challenging the man to ask himself why he is asking. What story is the man telling himself? Jesus is the "golden ticket?" Jesus has been doing miracles, maybe Jesus has the answers? By looking into his own 'deep story' and motivations, the man will learn something about himself that Jesus cannot teach him by words alone.

Is Jesus challenging us to do the same?
B - written and not updated before the Nazi rally on 8/12/17.