Why would Jesus object to being called “good” by the rich, young man in St. Mark’s gospel? (This question occurred to Matthew and Luke since they report the scene somewhat differently.) The answer can be found in the subsequent dialogue. The rich, young man apparently thought that he could achieve goodness, attain godliness by his own efforts. Jesus wants him to understand that we can’t acquire God’s grace, we can only receive grace as a gift. For that reason the rich, young man has to get rid of stuff, empty himself, in order to create an empty space for God to fill. It is not our own efforts (even the holy practices of going to church or saying our prayers) but God’s gift that will fill us with divine blessings.
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By Church Staff
