In the new testament we see Jesus refers himself as Teacher(Jn 13:13), Son of Man(Mk 14:62), Son of David(mt 22:45), Son of God(Jn 3:16). But, in this instance where this ruler says, Good Teacher. Jesus brings a new perspective by asking a different question to the questioner, making him understand that his assumptions are not only wrong, but it misleads him to think and know the way for eternal life.
The first assumption of this ruler:
Good teacher:
Teacher or Guru in Indian context means a lot. This ruler either influenced by the eastern philosophy or the laws thought that Jesus was just a teacher who will help to find the way to eternal life. Good was used just to make the teacher feel better so that he will also be in return receive the answer. But, Jesus was not just a teacher, but God himself. If the ruler would have called him, "Good God", then he might probably also would have asked the question in a different way. Some similarities with Nicodemus.
Jesus Teaches Nicodemus
3 Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.”
The second assumption:
Good Works:
what must I do to inherit eternal life
The whole world view apart from Christian would think and believe that it is because of the works(Good Works) that they are saved, that they inherit eternal life etc. but, Jesus came to this world for this very purpose of misunderstanding "Grace" and "Salvation", that it is not by Works but by Grace.
Ephesians 2:8-9 New International Version (NIV)
8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.
The first assumption of this ruler:
Good teacher:
Teacher or Guru in Indian context means a lot. This ruler either influenced by the eastern philosophy or the laws thought that Jesus was just a teacher who will help to find the way to eternal life. Good was used just to make the teacher feel better so that he will also be in return receive the answer. But, Jesus was not just a teacher, but God himself. If the ruler would have called him, "Good God", then he might probably also would have asked the question in a different way. Some similarities with Nicodemus.
Jesus Teaches Nicodemus
3 Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.”
The second assumption:
Good Works:
what must I do to inherit eternal life
The whole world view apart from Christian would think and believe that it is because of the works(Good Works) that they are saved, that they inherit eternal life etc. but, Jesus came to this world for this very purpose of misunderstanding "Grace" and "Salvation", that it is not by Works but by Grace.
Ephesians 2:8-9 New International Version (NIV)
8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.
Luke 18:18-30 New International Version (NIV)
The Rich and the Kingdom of God
18 A certain ruler asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
19 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. 20 You know the commandments: ‘You shall not commit adultery, you shall not murder, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, honor your father and mother.’[a]”
21 “All these I have kept since I was a boy,” he said.
22 When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
23 When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was very wealthy. 24 Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! 25 Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”
26 Those who heard this asked, “Who then can be saved?”
27 Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”
28 Peter said to him, “We have left all we had to follow you!”
29 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus said to them, “no one who has left home or wife or brothers or sisters or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God 30 will fail to receive many times as much in this age, and in the age to come eternal life.”
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