When asked about matters of eternal importance many people base their hope of acceptance on being ‘basically a good person’.  We need to know where to look in order to find out whether this is really the case. In this passage Jesus tells three stories which shed light on our supposed ‘goodness’.

The first one is about two men who went to pray. One man, the Pharisee, sought acceptance on the basis of what he had done. The other, the Tax Collector, was ashamed of his sin but asked for mercy … it was he that went home justified. The second story is about little children coming to Jesus. The disciples tried to hinder them but Jesus told the disciples to let them come. He told them that ‘the kingdom of God is of such as these’… child-like trust in Jesus.

The third story concerns a rich young ruler who approached Jesus asking: ‘Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?’  Jesus says that ‘there is no-one good except God alone’ and refers him to some of the Ten Commandments which he says he has kept. Jesus gently shows him his sin … he is trusting in his wealth. Jesus suggests he give it to the poor. He cannot and goes away sad. The final part of the passage reveals Jesus’ complete goodness. His death on the cross pays the penalty for sin for all who trust in Him.