Understanding the Meaning and Relevance of a Timeless Statement
What Does “None Are Good But God” Really Mean?
When people hear the phrase “none are good but God,” it may sound strange or even a bit discouraging. But this statement, spoken by Jesus in Mark 10:18, is actually a profound reminder of our human limitations and the unique perfection of God. Let’s break this down in everyday language.
The Context: Jesus and the Young Man
In the biblical story, a young man approaches Jesus, calling him “good teacher” and asking how he can gain eternal life. Jesus responds, “Why do you call me good? No one is good—except God alone.” Here, Jesus isn’t saying that humans can’t do anything right. Instead, he’s pointing out that true, perfect goodness belongs only to God.
Humility and Honesty About Ourselves
This idea isn’t meant to put us down, but to help us see ourselves honestly. We all know that, no matter how hard we try, we make mistakes. We might help others, show kindness, or do good things, but nobody is perfect all the time. The Bible echoes this in other places, like Romans 3:10-12: “There is no one righteous, not even one… no one does good, not even one.” This doesn’t mean we can’t do anything nice, but rather that compared to God’s perfect standard, we all fall short.
Why Does This Matter?
Understanding that only God is perfectly good does two important things:
1. It keeps us humble. We realize we’re not better than others and that everyone needs help and grace.
2. It points us to God as the source of goodness. When we do see something truly good—whether in ourselves or others—it’s a reflection of God’s character shining through us.
Does This Mean We Can’t Be Good?
Not at all. People can do good things. The point is that, left to ourselves, our goodness is always limited and imperfect. The Bible teaches that we need God’s help—what Christians call “grace”—to truly live up to what’s right. It’s not about giving up, but about knowing we need God’s strength and forgiveness.
What About Jesus?
Some people wonder if Jesus is saying he’s not good or even denying his divinity. But many Christians understand that Jesus is actually nudging the young man (and us) to think more deeply about who he is. If only God is good, and Jesus is good, then who is Jesus? For many, this is a subtle way of Jesus pointing to his own unique relationship with God.
Why Do We Need to Know This?
Recognizing that “none are good but God” is freeing. It means we don’t have to pretend to be perfect or rely only on ourselves. Instead, we look to God—the ultimate source of goodness—for strength, direction, and forgiveness. It also encourages us to treat others with compassion, knowing we’re all in the same boat.
Conclusion
“None are good but God” isn’t just an old religious saying. It’s an invitation to humility, honesty, and a deeper connection with God, who offers help, hope, and perfect goodness to all who seek him.
Minister A Francine Green
November 2025
afrancinegreen.com 