November 24, 2005
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What are your thoughts on these verses? I find them interesting and somewhat mysterious…
“We are not stoning you for any of these,” replied the Jews, “but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God.”
Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your Law, ‘I have said you are gods’? If he called them ‘gods,’ to whom the word of God came—and the Scripture cannot be broken— what about the one whom the Father set apart as his very own and sent into the world? Why then do you accuse me of blasphemy because I said, ‘I am God’s Son’? Do not believe me unless I do what my Father does, but if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works,that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am inthe Father” (John 10:33-38. NIV).
If you look at Psalm 82:6-7, which Jesus is quoting here, you see a distinction made between the true God and earthly gods…
6 “I said, ‘You are “gods”;
you are all sons of the Most High.’
7 But you will die like mere men;
you will fall like every other ruler.”
Jesus did not “die like mere men,” or “fall like every other ruler,” as we know. Thus there is a huge distinction between “gods” and “God.” If I were to be totally honest, I’d say that Jesus, in this case, was trying to confuse those who were attempting to stone him, and his method was both effective and genius.
Comments (3)
Jesus did always seem to know just the right thing to say and he didn’t pull any punches. I like that kind of direct assessment. But yeah, it’s more than apparent that some people let things go to their head and think they know everything. And of course the people who persecuted Jesus at that time were not about to admit to being wrong, because one apology would have had to lead to all the others they owed him. But it all turned out right in the end because what he did saved us all and for that… I have my faith.
you really should put verse 38 in there too…
37 If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me; 38 but if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.” (John 10:37-38 ESV)
It is very interesting too… and actually ‘gods’ is also a term for judges from the olden times. Basically Jesus is saysing that God had revelaed the word to certain people and they were therefor, judges for the land. He is saying here that God reveled the word to Him (Jesus) so that God’s plan would be enacted… but I think when you add on verse 38, things make a little more sense, as it ties God and Jesus together.
word up! though i like the ESV more…