The Jews wanted to stone Jesus for blasphemy when he said, “I and the Father are one”. It was nothing new, however, for a person to claim to be acting as a direct representative of God. The prophets did this and so too did the judges of Israel who were responsible for applying God’s law and maintaining justice in the land. Psalm 82 accuses these judges of failing to administer their high calling. The Psalm asserts that, in the sense in which they stood in God’s place to judge the people, they were “gods”. Jesus quotes this Psalm to the Jews to prove to them that the idea of a man representing God is not at odds with the Scriptures. If judges of the land could be representatives of God, why should they not expect God to present himself more directly in the world by sending one who, though a man, is the very incarnation of God? Why should God not do this? It is a good point to think about when you consider what is probably the hardest of biblical truths to swallow. Is Jesus really God incarnate? Would God really come to us in the form of a man? Yes, he would. This is precisely what God in his love is inclined to do. He is a God who loves us so much that he condescends to us, even taking on human flesh to demonstrate his love and redeem us (Philippians 2:6ff). Why should we be surprised at this? Scripture certainly anticipates this (see Isaiah 9:6; Daniel 7:14). Jesus’ signs affirmed it. Are you willing to believe it?
Thank God that he loves you and seeks you always.
Read John 10:22-42
