“Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?”– John 10:34 (KJV)
“Jesus replied, It is written in your own Scriptures that God said, ‘You are gods!'”– John 10:34 (NLT)
“Jesus responded, ‘Aren’t you also given the title of ‘gods’ in your Scriptures?'”– John 10:34 (MSG)
What Does John 10:34 Mean?
In this verse, Jesus is responding to a challenge from the Jewish leaders who are accusing Him of blasphemy for claiming to be the Son of God. His answer is profound and highlights an essential teaching of His that can often be overlooked. When Jesus refers to “gods,” He is quoting from the Hebrew Scriptures to establish His point. This strategy demonstrates two things: His authority as a teacher and His unique connection to Scripture. He makes a powerful point that if human judges were called “gods” because of their roles, how could He, the Son of God, be accused of blasphemy for making such a claim about Himself?
Jesus isn’t saying we all become gods, but rather He is emphasizing His nature and divine right. This statement shifts the lens through which we view His identity. By pointing to Scripture, Jesus invites us to investigate what the Scriptures truly say about God’s nature and our identity. He encourages us to dig deeper into the understanding of who we are and our relationship to God.
John 10:34 Explanation and Commentary
As we reflect on John 10:34, we can see Jesus interacting with His critics in a wise and pointed manner. The Jewish leaders were upset that He claimed to be divine. In their culture, claiming equality with God was considered blasphemous and punishable by death. By invoking Scripture, Jesus draws attention to a Psalm (Psalm 82:6) that refers to the leaders of Israel as “gods.” This highlights that even God’s chosen representatives were accorded special titles. If they, who were human and flawed, could be called “gods,” then how much more does that title apply to Jesus?
When we consider Jesus’ claim, we see that He does not want to be demeaned or reduced to mere humanity. Instead, He affirms His divine identity seated within the authority of Scripture. It’s an acknowledgment of how scripture supports His claim, promoting the view that God’s nature is relational and personal.
This exchange reminds us of the importance of understanding Scripture and how it frames our worldview. Jesus encourages us to explore the deeper meanings within Scripture, affirming that it’s not just historical text but alive and relevant. It speaks truth into our lives today. Understanding our identity in Christ is transformative; it shapes how we live, how we interact with others, and how we view ourselves. Are we seeing ourselves as children of God, empowered to reflect His love?
Moreover, it’s a call to belong. Jesus invites us to consider our sacred connections, to recognize our calling to emulate God’s goodness and love for others. Jesus makes it clear that we are not insignificant but play a vital role in God’s creation. Understanding our identity in Christ is paramount as it builds our confidence and reassures us as heirs to His kingdom.
Context of John 10:34
To fully grasp John 10:34, it is crucial to appreciate its context. Jesus is in Jerusalem, teaching in the temple’s colonnade. He had already performed miraculous signs and wonders, but the religious leaders were skeptical and hostile toward Him. They were looking for reasons to discredit Him, viewing His claims as blasphemous. Their fear stemmed from the threat He posed to their authority and traditions.
This tense moment unfolds as Jesus discusses His role as the Good Shepherd. He had just explained His relationship with His followers, using beautiful imagery to symbolize His care and love. Yet, in response to their challenges, He uses this moment to reaffirm His identity as God. His assertion draws them back to Scripture, allowing His opponents to reflect on their own beliefs.
The backdrop of this narrative also connects with the broader theme of fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies. Jesus consistently returns to the prophetic texts, knitting together a seamless narrative that showcases His divine purpose. Understanding the Scriptures was essential for the Jewish people, and Jesus uses it to illustrate His points and challenge their thinking.
In mentioning their own Scriptures, Jesus places the onus on them to examine their interpretation of God’s Word. This emphasis on examining Scripture invites all of us to re-evaluate how we perceive God’s truth and our relationship with Him. Are we allowing our preconceptions to cloud our understanding of who Jesus truly is? This passage is an invitation to not just read but to actively engage with God’s Word and let it shape us.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of John 10:34
The phrase “Is it not written in your law” is critical in this discourse. Jesus appeals to the authority of Scripture to frame His argument. He mentions the “law,” signifying the Torah or the first five books of the Bible, which were central to Jewish belief. By grounding His response in established holy texts, He not only validates His claim but also demonstrates respect for the Jewish tradition, signaling that He came to fulfill and not abolish the law (Matthew 5:17).
When He says “I said, Ye are gods,” He is quoting from Psalm 82:6, where God addresses earthly rulers and judges. This introduces a concept that goes beyond mere titles, suggesting that they have a divine purpose and responsibility. The term for “gods” refers to an elevated status, highlighting their role in administering justice and leading their people. Jesus cleverly uses their own Scriptures to make a point about authority and identity.
Jesus’ assertion creates an opening for deeper reflection on divine sonship. By addressing the challenge outright, He raises the question of authority among humanity: if judges and leaders are granted this title, then how much more should it apply to Him as the Son of God? In acknowledging this, we recognize the unique position Jesus holds in salvation history. He is not one among many but distinctly divine.
The ramifications of this are significant for us as believers. Understanding the identity of Jesus shapes how we relate to Him and our purpose in His kingdom. He invites us into relationship, declaring that we too are called to reflect His nature. This verse reminds us that Christ’s identity and our identity as believers parallels the divine inheritance granted to believers.
Lessons to Learn From John 10:34
There are many lessons for us to draw from John 10:34. First, the significance of Scripture in understanding who Jesus is cannot be overstated. When we confront challenges to our faith or identity, we can return confidently to His word. Reading Scripture gives us insight and guidance, fostering a deeper relationship with Him.
Understanding our identity in Christ provides lasting significance in our lives. We recognize that we are not merely creations but children of God, called to a mission that reflects His love and grace. This leads us to ask ourselves how we interact with the world and what examples we set as representatives of Christ.
This verse also calls us to consider humility and responsibility in leadership roles. Whether in our families, communities, or workplaces, we are encouraged to exercise authority with love, justice, and compassion. Just as God addressed the leaders in Psalm 82, we must remember that our actions can impact others deeply. Holding ourselves accountable while reflecting Christ’s character calls us to transition from a “me first” attitude to a “how can I serve” mindset.
Perhaps the most significant takeaway comes from understanding our relationship with God. We are not called to fear, but we are invited into community with the Creator of the universe. Embracing this relationship offers us assurance and freedom, knowing that we are valued and chosen.
Final Thoughts
John 10:34 offers a rich and vibrant discussion about identity, authority, and our connection with God. Through Jesus’ words, we find comfort in knowing our worth, acknowledging our relationship with God, and recognizing that He calls us His children. As we navigate life’s challenges, may we reflect on these truths and allow them to inform how we live with purpose.
Let this verse encourage us to explore more and deepen our understanding of the Scriptures. Engaging with His Word leads to a more profound revelation of who Jesus is and who we are called to be in Him. Each time we study the Bible, we allow His truth to reshape our hearts and minds. Together, let us continue learning and growing in faith.
If you are interested in exploring additional topics, feel free to check out John’s teachings or insights about how God interacted with His people. Growing in knowledge arms us to face challenges and live out our faith with confidence!