Matthew 19:16 - "And, behold, one came and said unto Him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?"

The rich young ruler first, acknowledged Jesus as good, but not as God. This is the reason that Jesus responded to His request the way He did. Jesus was saying, "God is the only one who is good. You must accept me as God or not at all."

Second, he asked what he could do to produce salvation. He trusted in himself and believed he could accomplish whatever good work Jesus might request. This rich young ruler wasn't looking for a Savior. He was trying to be his own savior.

This is the reason Jesus referred him back to the commandments. He either had to keep them perfectly or he needed a savior. Jesus desired to turn this man from trusting in himself by showing him God's perfect standard, which no one could keep, so that then he would trust in a Savior.

ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY
http://afministry.ning.com/