This address is more than a flattering word in order to earn Jesus’ favour. The kneeling posture, which is unusual with respect to a rabbi, and the nature of the question, which is very personal, compel us to hear in the address “Good Teacher” an acknowledgement of Jesus as the Leader to life eternal. His word for the rich young man here is decisive.1
17 And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”