34 Jesus replied, “It is written in your own Scriptures that God said to certain leaders of the people, ‘I say, you are gods!’ 35 And you know that the Scriptures cannot be altered. So if those people who received God’s message were called ‘gods,’ 36 why do you call it blasphemy when I say, ‘I am the Son of God’? After all, the Father set me apart and sent me into the world. 37 Don’t believe me unless I carry out my Father’s work.

38 But if I do his work, believe in the evidence of the miraculous works I have done, even if you don’t believe me. Then you will know and understand that the Father is in me, and I am in the Father.” Once again they tried to arrest him, but he got away and left them.

John 10:34 – 39 (NLT)

Jesus claims to be God and the Jewish leaders flip out and want to stone Him for blasphemy. They’re literally standing there trying to stone him. His power is preventing them somehow. Jesus’ response is translated a bit awkwardly in NASB, ESV, AMP, but NLT is more clear – though not literal as I prefer.

Men are gods?

You may be wondering what Bible verse Jesus quotes that calls men gods. In Psalm 82, Asaph, writes that God was reprimanding the judges in Israel: “How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? (Psalm 82:2)” I wonder if one reason Jesus used this quote was to further point out how the Jewish leaders He was speaking to are actually corrupt judges. 

Psalm 82:6 contains the actual quote: “You are gods, sons of the Most High, all of you;”. It’s fairly plain to see that God is referring to these judges of Israel as gods (small “g”) due to their elevated position and responsibility for making life and death decisions about others. Asaph confirms this: “nevertheless, like men you shall die, and fall like any prince.” (v7) Then he concludes in v8: “Arise, O God, judge the earth; for you shall inherit all the nations!”, to point out who really is God.

Easy to say

These Jews don’t believe what Jesus is saying. Anyone can say they are God. But Jesus has also done amazing works to prove His deity. These things are given to Jesus by the Father to do.

“Jesus reasoned [with the Jews], ‘If God gave these unjust judges the title ‘gods’ because of their office, why do you consider it blasphemy that I call Myself the ‘Son of God’ in light of the testimony of Me and My works?’” (enduringword.com)

<- Reflection ->

• Some cults (like Mormans) as well as other religions indeed say people can become gods. Be careful, it’s easy to make ourselves to be gods and unseat Jesus from the rightful place in control of our lives.