Words of Jesus: Wednesday, May 27, 2026

Wednesday May 27, 2026

Luke 18:18-22    “And a ruler asked him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.’ ” And he said, “All these I have observed from my youth.” And when Jesus heard it, he said to him, “One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.””

 RSV

There is a great deal to notice in this passage.

A ruler approaches Jesus with a genuine, heartfelt, question, not a trick question.

Despite following the Law, the man still felt he did not have eternal life.

Jesus questions why the ruler called Him good, saying only God is good.  Was Jesus questioning the ruler’s sincerity, or was He drawing the ruler’s attention to the ruler’s lack of goodness?

Jesus called this man to follow Him (which required the ruler giving up his possessions).

Dear Heavenly Father, please move our hearts to follow Jesus. Amen