Led by Jesus... like Jesus... to Jesus: 26

John 10:22-42
Here’s a controversial passage! Is Jesus really God, or is he a lesser being, merely a ‘god’ like the Psalmist recorded in Psalm 82?

Jesus claims to be one with the Father in John 10:30, “I and the Father are one.” In response, the Jews pick up stones and are ready to kill him, because they said that he was claiming to be God. Jesus then makes a reference to human judges being called ‘gods,’ and asks if it isn’t right for him to be called “The Son of God,” since the Father sent him. This reference from Psalm 82 was to unrighteous leaders who were not dispensing justice. Some would construe this to be a claim from Jesus to be less than diety; a ‘god’ like the human leaders of old. The Bible Knowledge Commentary points out that Jesus is following a method of Rabbinic argument by appealing to Old Testament and making a logical connection to their current discussion.

Jesus included a brief statement of the inerrancy of Scripture in verse 35, “and Scripture cannot be broken…” In other words, God allowed humans who were not divine to have the title ‘god’ which is proved by the inerrant statement in Psalm 82. The same God sent his Son to earth and it is not blasphemy for him to claim to be the Son of God, one who is divine, far above the unrighteous human judges.

Also found in the John 10 passage is the reference to eternal security. Once a person comes into relationship with Jesus, they become a part of his flock, and he becomes their Good Shepherd. No thief is able to snatch them out of God’s hand! We belong to him and are secure as his eternal possession.

Leading more to Jesus: As we share the gospel with unbelievers, our message includes pointing them to Jesus’ true identity as God. When a person comes to faith in Christ, we can assure them of security in God because our new owner protects and keeps us as our Good Shepherd.