The Cost of Following
“Why do you ask Me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.” Matthew 19:17 · Berean Standard Bible
Jesus asks, 'Why are you asking Me about what's good? Only God is truly good.' Then He says, 'If you want life, keep the commandments.'
Jesus is gently steering the conversation. He's not just giving an answer — He's about to reveal what this man is really missing.
Jesus responds with a question that cuts deeper than the man expected.
Jesus starts with the commandments, but He's building toward something much bigger. He's about to show this man what his heart is really clinging to.
Jesus challenges the man's framing by pointing to God as the sole source of goodness, then directs him to the commandments as the path to 'enter life' (eiselthein eis tēn zōēn).
Jesus does not reject the Law but uses it pedagogically to expose the man's deeper spiritual need.
Jesus redirects the question, pointing the man toward God's absolute goodness and the commandments.
Jesus uses the man's own framework to begin revealing what he truly lacks, starting with the commandments he thinks he's kept.
15And after He had placed His hands on them, He went on from there.
16Just then a man came up to Jesus and inquired, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to obtain eternal life?”
17“Why do you ask Me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.”
18“Which ones?” the man asked.
19honor your father and mother, and love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Read all of Matthew 19 — A rich young man walks away sad, children are welcomed, and the disciples wonder who can possibly be saved. Jesus redefines what it costs to follow him.
This page covers one. BibleKey does all 31,102 — tap any verse for its meaning, any word for its Hebrew or Greek root, and keep reading without leaving the chapter.
Not just the famous ones. BibleKey is free on iPhone and iPad.
Download on the App StoreFree on iPhone & iPad