Jesus says that only God is good, which proves he cannot be God.

The passage in Mark 10:17-18 is often misinterpreted to suggest that Jesus denies his own goodness and, by extension, his divinity. However, this interpretation fails to consider the immediate context and the overall message of the New Testament. Jesus' statement, 'No one is good except God alone,' serves to redirect the man's understanding of goodness rather than to deny his own divine nature. The Gospel of Mark presents Jesus as the Son of God, emphasizing his unique relationship with the Father and his authority over evil spirits, which supports his divine identity. Furthermore, throughout Mark, Jesus is depicted as the Holy One of God, and his transfiguration reveals his divine glory. In Mark 1:11, God affirms Jesus as His beloved Son, indicating that Jesus possesses the goodness and purity that comes from being divine. The various accounts of Jesus performing miracles and forgiving sins further illustrate his authority, which aligns with his identity as God incarnate. Thus, when we interpret Jesus' words in light of the entire Gospel narrative, it becomes evident that he is not denying his divinity but rather affirming the unique nature of God's goodness. The misunderstanding arises from a selective reading that overlooks the broader theological implications of Jesus' identity and mission as presented in the Gospels.