10:17-31 As Jesus was on the way, a man came ... running up to him and fell on his knees and asked him, Good Master what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? Genuinely earnest and respectful, he wanted to know what he must do! However, inheriting eternal life is like receiving the kingdom. One receives the kingdom of God with the innocence and purity and, yes, even the helplessness of a child. It is a promise that is freely given; not a commodity to be acquired.
Bypassing the question, Jesus challenged the man's form of address, saying, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. This doesn't mean that people aren't, in some degree, good, but it acknowledges that we don't generate that goodness. God remains the only source of good.
Jesus then turned to the man's question. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. These commandments have to do with one's relationships with people, relationships that indicate one's reverence for God and willingness to be obedient to His will.
