Episode Details

Host Lance Smith examines Matthew 19:16–17 and parallel Gospel passages to explain why Jesus’ question, “Why callest thou me good?”, does not deny his goodness or divinity.

The episode clarifies translation differences, context with the rich young man, Jesus’ teaching method, and how the passage exposes misplaced confidence while strengthening trust in Scripture.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Skeptics Annotated Bible: https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/jesus-good.html 
2. GotQuestions.org articles: https://www.gotquestions.org/good-God-alone.html , https://www.gotquestions.org/why-do-you-call-me-good.html , https://www.gotquestions.org/rich-young-ruler.html
3. Catholic Answers: “Why Different Translations for Matthew 19:16-17?” https://www.catholic.com/qa/why-different-translations-for-matthew-1916-17
4. Douglas Groothuis, “Jesus: Philosopher and Apologist,” Christian Research Journal (2002/updated 2009) https://www.equip.org/articles/jesus-philosopher-and-apologist/
5. Terry J. Hedrick, “Jesus as Shepherd in the Gospel of Matthew,” PhD thesis, Durham University (2007) https://etheses.durham.ac.uk/id/eprint/2536/1/2536_547.pdf
6. Answering Islam rebuttal by David Thompson: https://www.answering-islam.org/authors/thompson/rebuttals/questionmark/response_where_i_am_god.html
7. Hold Fast Blog: “Why Do You Call Me Good? Mark 10:18” https://holdfast.blog/2025/11/15/why-do-you-call-me-good-mark-1018/
8. Beautiful Christian Life: “What Point Was Jesus Making to the Rich Young Ruler?” https://beautifulchristianlife.com/blog/what-point-was-jesus-making-to-the-rich-young-ruler