Why did the Jews accuse Jesus of blasphemy in John 10:33? Setting the Scene • In Solomon’s Colonnade during Hanukkah, Jesus had just declared, “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30). • The leaders immediately reached for stones (John 10:31). The Accusation Quoted “We are not stoning You for any good work,” said the Jews, “but for blasphemy, because You, who are a man, declare Yourself to be God.” (John 10:33) Why They Called It Blasphemy • Leviticus 24:16 laid down the death penalty for anyone who “blasphemes the name of the LORD.” • By saying “I and the Father are one,” Jesus claimed equality of essence with the Father—not mere unity of purpose. • Earlier He had already claimed divine prerogatives (John 5:18; John 8:58). • To the leaders, a visible human claiming deity violated the commandment against taking God’s name in vain, so they judged it blasphemy. Their Theological Grid • Strict monotheism: Deuteronomy 6:4—“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One.” • Messiah in their expectation was an anointed man, not necessarily God in flesh. • Any human equating Himself with Yahweh challenged this core confession. Jesus’ Own Words Confirmed the Charge—Yet Proved His Identity • “Before Abraham was born, I AM” (John 8:58) echoed Exodus 3:14. • “The Son can do nothing by Himself; He can do only what He sees the Father doing” (John 5:19) showed shared divine works. • Works of the Father—opening blind eyes, giving eternal life—validated His claim (John 10:37-38). Old Testament Background Jesus Invoked • Psalm 82:6: “I have said you are gods”—Jesus quoted this (John 10:34-36) to expose their inconsistent charge. – If Scripture could apply “gods” to human judges representing God, how much more could the consecrated, indwelt Son rightfully bear the divine name. Bottom Line • They accused Him of blasphemy because they rightly understood His words as a direct claim to deity, yet wrongly refused the evidence that validated that claim. • Jesus was not merely a man using God’s name; He was God the Son speaking truthfully. Their rejection sprang from unbelief, not misunderstanding. Key Takeaways • Jesus identifies Himself openly as God, leaving no neutral ground (John 20:28). • The charge of blasphemy highlights the seriousness of accepting or rejecting His divine identity. • The accuracy of Scripture affirms both the legal basis for the charge in the Law and the fulfillment of prophecy in Christ’s person. |
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