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Secrets of the Kingdom Life  /  Chapter 30: Beyond Hollow Humility  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 10
Jesus’ response to the rich young ruler—“Why do you call me good? No one is good but one, that is, God”—is presented as Jesus refusing praise to protect the Father’s glory; what does this reveal about Jesus’ inner motives, and how might it challenge modern assumptions about promoting oneself, defending one’s “authority,” or needing recognition for doing good works?
Another way to ask: When Jesus turns praise away from himself and toward God, what does that show about his motives? How does it challenge our habits of self-promotion, protecting our “authority,” or needing credit for good works?

Direct Answer It reveals that Jesus was inwardly driven by zeal for the Father’s glory, not by a need to receive credit; this challenges modern self-promotion by showing that true humility deflects praise even when praise is deserved.

Support from Transcript:

  • In Luke 18, Jesus replies to “Good teacher” with, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but one, that is, God.”
  • Bercot notes “modern commentators are baffled” and that our fallen flesh wants Jesus to use the moment to highlight himself (as we would).
  • He critiques ego-driven explanations: “If any of us were divine, we would surely want to call attention to the fact.”
  • George MacDonald’s explanation: Jesus “did not care to hear himself called good…He was there to let men see the goodness of the Father.”
  • Bercot says Jesus was “jealous for his Father’s authority and greatness” and it “pained” him to think he might draw glory away from the Father.
Discussion Follow-ups Where do Christians today feel entitled to recognition “for doing good”—and what would it look like to respond more like Jesus in those moments?

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