“Being Good is Not Good Enough”
Text: Mark 10:17-22
“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?'”
Introduction: The Illusion of Goodness
We live in a world that often equates goodness with being kind, charitable, or morally upright. Many believe that if their good deeds outweigh the bad, they will earn God’s favor or eternal life. But the Bible teaches us that human goodness, no matter how sincere, is insufficient to meet God’s perfect standard.
In this passage, we encounter the rich young ruler—a man who appeared to have it all: wealth, morality, and a desire for eternal life. Yet, when he stood before Jesus, his “goodness” fell short. This story challenges us to understand that salvation cannot be earned by our works; it is a gift of grace through faith.
1. The Problem with Human Goodness
The rich young ruler approached Jesus with a sincere question: “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” His question reveals a common misconception—that eternal life is something we can earn through human effort.
- Goodness Is Relative: Jesus responds by pointing to God’s absolute standard of goodness: “No one is good—except God alone” (v. 18). Compared to God’s holiness, even our best deeds fall short (Isaiah 64:6).
- The Law Exposes Our Need: Jesus lists commandments that reflect outward morality—do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, etc. The man claims he has kept them all since his youth. But keeping the law outwardly does not mean we’ve fulfilled it inwardly (Matthew 5:21-22).
Application: Are you relying on your moral achievements to earn God’s favor? Remember, being good is not enough if your heart is far from Him.
2. The Heart of the Matter
Jesus, in love, exposes the man’s true heart: “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” (v. 21). This was not just a test of generosity but a test of allegiance.
- The Idol of Wealth: The man’s possessions had become his god. Despite his outward obedience, his heart was tied to material security rather than full dependence on God.
- Goodness Cannot Replace Surrender: Jesus wasn’t looking for another “good deed”; He was asking for total surrender. The man’s unwillingness to let go of his wealth revealed that his trust was in himself, not God.
Application: What is the one thing you’re holding on to that keeps you from fully surrendering to Christ? Goodness cannot substitute for complete trust and devotion.
3. Salvation is By Grace, Not Works
When the man walked away sad, Jesus remarked: “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!” (v. 23). This astonished the disciples, leading them to ask, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus replies: “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God” (v. 27).
- Our Efforts Are Insufficient: No amount of good works, wealth, or moral striving can earn salvation. It is only possible through the grace of God (Ephesians 2:8-9).
- Christ Did What We Could Not: Jesus fulfilled the law perfectly and paid the penalty for sin on the cross. Through Him, we are justified—not by our goodness but by His righteousness.
Application: Stop striving to earn God’s favor. Instead, accept His grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
4. True Goodness Comes from Following Christ
Jesus’ invitation to the rich young ruler was more than a call to give up wealth—it was a call to discipleship: “Come, follow me.” True goodness flows not from our own efforts but from walking with Christ and being transformed by His Spirit.
- A New Identity: When we surrender to Christ, we are no longer defined by our works but by His grace (2 Corinthians 5:17).
- Good Works Flow from Grace: Once saved, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to do good works—not to earn salvation but to glorify God (Ephesians 2:10).
Application: Following Christ requires a heart fully surrendered to Him. What good works are you doing out of love and gratitude, not obligation?
Conclusion: Good Isn’t Good Enough—Grace Is
The story of the rich young ruler reminds us that no matter how good we think we are, our righteousness will never measure up to God’s standard. But the good news is that Jesus has made a way for us. His perfect goodness covers our imperfection, and His grace grants us eternal life.
- To the self-reliant: Recognize that your goodness isn’t enough—only Jesus saves.
- To the self-condemned: Stop striving for perfection. Grace is freely given to all who believe.
- To the follower of Christ: Let your life reflect the goodness of God, empowered by His Spirit.
Challenge: Where do you stand today? Are you relying on your goodness, or have you surrendered your heart to Christ? The call is clear: Let go of everything that holds you back and follow Him. Only then will you find true life, treasure in heaven, and the joy of walking with the Savior. Amen.