How can Jesus be God when he denies being absolutely good, and says that only God is good?

In Mark 10:17-18, a rich man approaches Jesus and calls him good. Jesus responds by asking why he calls him good, stating that only God is good. This interaction is often interpreted as Jesus denying his own goodness. However, a closer examination reveals that Jesus is not denying his essential goodness but is instead highlighting the divine standard of goodness. By doing so, he prompts the rich man to consider the implications of calling someone good in the context of God's absolute goodness. Furthermore, throughout the Synoptic Gospels, Jesus demonstrates his goodness through his actions, such as healing the sick, forgiving sins, and showing compassion to the marginalized. These acts are consistent with the nature of God as revealed in the Hebrew Scriptures, where God is described as inherently good and righteous. Additionally, the theological understanding of Jesus as God incarnate supports the claim of his absolute goodness. As the Word made flesh (John 1:14), Jesus embodies the fullness of God's character, including his goodness. Therefore, rather than contradicting his divine nature, Jesus' statement in Mark 10:18 affirms it by inviting deeper reflection on the nature of goodness and its source in God.