Definition: And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 19:16. It's a really important question posed to Jesus, and it gets to the heart of his teachings about faith and how we understand God's plan for us. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Situation: Jesus is talking to a young man (likely a disciple or someone who’s questioning him) who asks, “What good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?” He’s essentially asking him if there's any way to achieve everlasting life – something beyond just existing. The Core of the Verse: Jesus isn't saying it's easy or simple. He’s using a clever, slightly tricky question to get to the heart of the matter. He’s framing it like this: “Good Master” : This refers to Jesus himself – the divine being who is both good and powerful. “What good thing?” : This means what action would bring about a lasting, fulfilling life? “That I may have eternal life?” : This is the crucial part. Eternal life is the ultimate goal – a state of perfect happiness and connection with God after death. Jesus’ Response (and the Key Meaning): Jesus doesn't give him a direct answer to the question. Instead, he says: “Let him do what truly desires .” This is incredibly important. It means that God wants us to live a life that He approves of. Here’s what it really conveys about Jesus' message: God’s Will: God doesn’t simply give us a path to salvation – He gives us a purpose. Our lives should be guided by His will and love. Faith is Action: True faith isn’t just believing something; it’s doing good things that honor God. It's about living in accordance with his values. God’s Love & Grace: The verse emphasizes that God’s love is unconditional and extends to everyone, even those who don’t fully understand or accept him. It’s a gift of eternal life, not earned through good deeds alone. In essence, Jesus is saying that the way we live our lives – the choices we make, the actions we take – determines how we're seen and how we achieve lasting happiness. --- Resources for Further Exploration: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/ESV/Matthew/19:16](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/ESV/Matthew/19:16) GotQuestions.org: [https://www.gotquestions.org/Matthew-19-16.html](https://www.gotquestions.org/Matthew-19-16.html) Do you want to delve deeper into a specific aspect of this verse, like its context within the parable or its significance for believers?