Matthew 19:16
Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?”
17 So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.”
Matt 19:16-17
Source: Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words: Good
(Strong's #18 — Adjective — agathos — ag-ath-os)
<A-1,Adjective,18,agathos> describes that which, being "good" in its character or constitution, is beneficial in its effect; it is used in Matt. 19:17; Mark 10:18; Luke 18:19:
(b) in a moral sense, frequently of persons and things. God is essentially, absolutely and consummately "good,"
Matt 19:
16 Behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, """what good thing shall I do""" """that I may have eternal life?"""
(NOTE: What shall """I DO""" that I may have eternal life)
POINTE 1: The young ruler believed he could """DO""" something to earn eternal life. As if eternal life could be inherited by some act of goodness. Typical, error among, by works doctrine promoters.
17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
POINT 2: No Jewish Rabbi/Teacher/Good Master/Doctor of the Law. Was called “good” by their pupils in direct address. Traditionally, the adjective ‘good’ was retained for speaking about God. Reread Vines definition above .
Romans 9:31 But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness.
32 Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;
POINTE 3: The young ruler promoting, by works doctrine, LITERALLY stumbled at that stumblingstone;
33 As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
(NOTE: Whosoever what? >>> Believed! Put their faith on/in HIM & HIS work. Not thier own works)
FINAL POINT: Verse context is about the questioner's eternal life, not Christ's divinity Jesus answer places the young, rich questioner in checkmate. When he exposes the young mans heart. Is fixed on his riches/wealth, not on God or Gods will.