What does "I have authority to take it up again" reveal about Jesus' divinity? Context Surrounding the Claim John 10 unfolds in the temple courts during the Feast of Dedication. Jesus identifies Himself as “the good shepherd,” contrasting His willing self-sacrifice with the hired hand’s flight. In that context He declares: “No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of My own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from My Father.” (John 10:18) What “Authority to Take It Up Again” Signifies • Absolute power over life and death—an ability Scripture assigns to God alone (Deuteronomy 32:39). • Self-existent life (aseity). Jesus is not merely revived by an outside agent; He personally “takes up” life. • Voluntary, sovereign action. His death is not forced; His resurrection is not requested—it originates from His own will. • Equality with the Father. The Son exercises a prerogative the Old Testament credits exclusively to Yahweh, yet He does so “by command” of the Father, revealing shared divine nature within distinct Persons. Divine Attributes on Display 1. Omnipotence — Raising oneself is the ultimate demonstration of power (Revelation 1:18). 2. Omniscience — Jesus knows in advance the details of His death and resurrection timetable (John 2:19; Mark 10:33-34). 3. Sovereignty — He governs His own destiny, underscoring lordship over all creation (Colossians 1:16-18). 4. Life-giving authority — “Just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom He wishes.” (John 5:21) Unity with the Father • Phrase “This command I received from My Father” shows order within the Godhead without diminishing Jesus’ deity. • The Son’s obedience is freely chosen, reflecting perfect harmony, not subordination of essence (Philippians 2:6-8). • Shared authority affirms John 10:30: “I and the Father are one.” Fulfillment in the Historical Resurrection • The empty tomb validates the claim—He literally “took up” His life on the third day (Matthew 28:5-6). • Post-resurrection appearances confirm He exercised living, bodily power (Luke 24:39). • Apostolic preaching hinges on this self-resurrection as proof of messiahship and deity (Acts 2:24, 36). Implications for Our Faith • A Savior who raises Himself can certainly raise us (John 11:25-26). • Assurance that nothing can thwart His promises; divine authority guarantees eternal life (Romans 8:11). • Worship is rightly directed to Jesus as God, not merely as a prophet or moral teacher (Hebrews 1:6). Key Supporting Passages • John 1:1-4 — the Word possesses life in Himself. • John 5:26 — “the Father has life in Himself, so also He has granted the Son to have life in Himself.” • Romans 1:4 — Jesus “was declared with power to be the Son of God by His resurrection from the dead.” • Colossians 2:9 — “in Christ all the fullness of Deity dwells bodily.” • Revelation 1:17-18 — “I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore.” Takeaway Truths on Jesus’ Divinity • Claiming and executing authority to rise from the dead sets Jesus apart as uniquely divine. • His self-resurrection fulfills Scripture, confirms His unity with the Father, and guarantees our salvation. • The verse anchors Christian confidence: the One who conquered His own grave reigns with unchallengeable, life-giving authority. |
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