According to mainstream evangelical Christian theology, Jesus is indeed considered truly good, as affirmed by biblical teachings. This perspective is grounded in the understanding of Jesus as the incarnation of God, who is inherently good. In the Gospels, Jesus himself emphasizes his divine origin and goodness, saying, "No one is good—except God alone" (Mark 10:18, NIV). This statement implies that Jesus, being one with God, is inherently good.
Jesus' actions and teachings throughout the New Testament further exemplify his goodness. He consistently demonstrates compassion, healing, and forgiveness. For instance, in Matthew 9:36, Jesus is described as having compassion on the crowds, "because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." His sacrificial love is epitomized in his willingness to lay down his life for humanity's salvation, as stated in John 15:13: "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends" (NIV).
Thus, from an evangelical Christian perspective, Jesus embodies perfect goodness through his divine nature, compassionate actions, and sacrificial love, aligning with the biblical portrayal of him as the ultimate moral exemplar.
In the realm of Christian theology, the question of whether Jesus is truly good according to biblical teaching is both foundational and profound. This inquiry not only addresses the nature and character of Jesus Christ but also impacts the faith and lives of believers. To engage with this question, we must explore the biblical narratives and teachings that reveal the essence of Jesus' goodness, as attested in the Scriptures. By examining His actions, words, and the theological affirmations found in the Bible, we can gain a deeper understanding of His inherent goodness.
A primary aspect of Jesus' goodness is His divine nature and sinlessness. According to Christian doctrine, Jesus is both fully God and fully man, a belief supported by numerous biblical passages. The Apostle John declares the divinity of Christ:
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." (John 1:1, ESV)
Jesus' sinlessness is a critical component of His goodness. The author of Hebrews affirms this by stating:
"For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin." (Hebrews 4:15, NASB)
Jesus' ability to live a sinless life while fully experiencing human temptation underscores His perfect moral character and inherent goodness.
Jesus' goodness is also demonstrated through His perfect fulfillment of the Mosaic Law. In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus proclaims:
"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them." (Matthew 5:17, NIV)
By perfectly adhering to the Law, Jesus not only exemplifies moral goodness but also accomplishes what humanity could not, thereby becoming the ultimate standard of righteousness.
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus' actions consistently reflect His goodness through acts of compassion and healing. He reaches out to the marginalized and the suffering, offering them hope and restoration. One poignant example is His interaction with the leper:
"Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out and touched him. 'I am willing,' he said. 'Be healed!'" (Mark 1:41, NLT)
Such acts of kindness and mercy reveal a heart committed to the well-being of others, illustrating Jesus' profound goodness.
The ultimate demonstration of Jesus' goodness is His sacrificial love, most clearly seen in His willingness to lay down His life for humanity. In the Gospel of John, Jesus articulates this selfless love:
"Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13, ESV)
The crucifixion stands as the pinnacle of Jesus' goodness, where He bore the sins of the world to provide salvation for all who believe. His sacrifice is both an act of supreme goodness and the fulfillment of His redemptive mission.
In John 10, Jesus identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd, a powerful metaphor that underscores His protective and nurturing nature:
"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." (John 10:11, NKJV)
This imagery conveys Jesus' commitment to caring for His followers, guiding them with integrity and love.
The apostles also affirm Jesus' goodness in their teachings. The Apostle Peter, speaking to the early church, highlights Jesus' benevolent actions:
"You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him." (Acts 10:38, NASB)
Peter’s testimony encapsulates the pervasive goodness of Jesus' earthly ministry.
Understanding the biblical teaching of Jesus' goodness calls believers to emulate His character in their own lives. Christians are encouraged to model His compassion, love, and righteousness in their interactions with others. The Apostle Paul exhorts believers:
"Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you." (Ephesians 4:32, NASB)
Believers are also invited to place their trust in the goodness of Jesus, especially in times of trial and uncertainty. His unchanging nature provides a foundation for faith and peace. The Psalmist reminds us:
"Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him." (Psalm 34:8, NIV)
The biblical teaching affirms unequivocally that Jesus is truly good. His divine nature, sinlessness, fulfillment of the Law, compassionate actions, and sacrificial love collectively testify to His inherent goodness. As believers reflect on these truths, they are encouraged to trust in Jesus' goodness and emulate His character in their daily lives. In doing so, they bear witness to the transformative power of His love and grace in the world.