December 4.
The Appropriate Approach

Mark 10:17

And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?

And kneeled to him. Not only did he run to see Jesus, but he also knew how to act when he got to Him; he fell on his knees. He didn’t walk up and say, “Hey, doc. What’s going on man?” He knew how to bow. You don’t find many now even in church who know how to act. People will come to church and have no respect for the house of God. They walk in with a hat on their head and just sit up there. They might walk in with a cold drink and chips and all kind of junk right in the house of God. But it’s good to find a young person that knows how to act. He bowed.

He also knew the right person to go to with his question. You see some things you can ask your school teacher. Some things you can ask folk on the job. Some things you can ask your parents, but there are some questions that nobody can answer for you except the Lord. He said, “Good master.” which meant he also knew how to reverence the Lord. He said goodness. He didn’t just say master. He said good master before asking his question.

By His response, at first it appeared that Jesus was angry with the young ruler. Jesus said, “Why do you call me good.” Isn’t that something? The man is wanting eternal life and Jesus puts him through a series of questions. But if the man was calling him good thinking that Jesus was just another man, Jesus was saying you are out of order, because if you’re not looking at me as being God, I’m not good. Some of our Muslim brothers say he’s a good man, but that He’s not the Son of God. That isn’t good enough. If you are just looking at me as being a man, I’m just a man. If you look at me as being God, I am good. Isaiah went on to call Him wonderful, counselor, mighty God, everlasting father, and prince of peace. He is our Good Master.