Why Jesus said “I and the Father are One”(John 10:22-42)
When Jesus pointed to his works as proof of words, he made the famous claim “I and the Father are one.” He is at least claiming to be the Messiah. How much more he’s claiming is debated.
Key Points
- Historical Context: The Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah) recalls Judas Maccabeus rededicating the temple after Antiochus IV’s desecration, setting the scene in John 10:22-42.
- Jesus’ Identity: Asked if he’s the Messiah, Jesus points to his works (e.g., miracles) as evidence, claiming unity with the Father in purpose and authority.
- Key Claim: “I and the Father are one” likely affirms his Messiahship, not divinity directly, though it fuels accusations of blasphemy from the Jews.
- Belief and Unbelief: Jesus’ sheep hear his voice and receive eternal life; unbelief stems from a refusal to accept evidence, not its absence.
- Eternal Security: Jesus and the Father ensure no one can snatch his sheep, emphasizing divine protection over human effort.
Feast of Dedication
Historical background of the Feast of Dedication.
John 10:22-42 begins during the Feast of Dedication, also known as Hanukkah, which commemorates the rededication of the temple by Judas Maccabeus in the 2nd century BC. This feast emerged after a tumultuous period in Jewish history. Following the Babylonian exile, Persian rule gave way to Alexander the Great’s conquests. After his death, his empire split, and Palestine became a battleground between Syria and Egypt. Eventually, the Seleucid king Antiochus IV desecrated the temple, sparking a revolt led by Maccabeus. The temple’s cleansing became a symbol of Jewish resilience, celebrated each December.
In this passage, it’s winter, and Jesus is walking in the temple’s colonnade of Solomon. Jewish leaders—likely Pharisees—surround him, demanding, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” Their question reflects tension and skepticism, setting the stage for Jesus’ response.
Jesus’ Answer: Testimony Through Works
Jesus doesn’t give a simple yes or no. Instead, he points to his actions, saying, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name bear witness about me.” He’s already shown his identity through miracles—like healing the blind man (John )9—and claims like he has the authority to forgive sins.
Yet, these leaders refuse to believe because, as Jesus explains, “You are not among my sheep.” His sheep recognize his voice and follow him, receiving eternal life that no one can snatch away.
Then comes the famous statement: “I and the Father are one.” The Jews pick up stones to kill him, accusing him of blasphemy. Jesus challenges them, asking which of his good works deserves stoning. They reply, “It’s not for a good work, but for blasphemy—because you make yourself God.”
Jesus defends himself by citing Psalm 82:6 (“I said, you are gods”), arguing that if Scripture calls humans “gods,” why can’t he, the one consecrated by the Father, claim unity with God?
He urges them to believe his works, even if they reject his words, as proof of his divine connection.
Unpacking “I and the Father Are One”
What does Jesus mean by “I and the Father are one”? In context, he’s addressing whether he’s the Messiah. He’s careful about using that title publicly, knowing many expect a warrior king to overthrow Rome—a role he rejects.
His oneness with the Father likely emphasizes their unity in purpose and authority, not necessarily a direct claim to divinity here. Throughout John’s Gospel (e.g., John 5:19-23), Jesus describes doing the Father’s will, sharing His authority over life and judgment, and revealing God to the world. This suggests he’s the Messiah, God’s authoritative representative.
Could it imply more, like being the second Person of the Trinity? Yes, but that’s a question we impose on the text. John’s audience wouldn’t have had a Trinitarian framework. Jesus focuses on his works—like miracles—as evidence, not a theological debate about his nature. The Jews, however, see his equality with God as blasphemous, escalating their conflict with him.
Themes of Belief and Eternal Life
John weaves familiar themes of testimony, belief, and unbelief. Jesus’ miracles testify to his identity, but belief requires the Spirit’s work. The Pharisees reject him not for lack of evidence, but because they’re not his sheep—unwilling to accept the truth. For those who do believe, Jesus promises eternal security: “No one will snatch them out of my hand,” reinforced by the Father’s greater power. This assurance isn’t about our grip on God, but His unyielding hold on us.
Why It Matters
This passage challenges us to examine the evidence of Jesus’ works and words. It’s not just about who he is, but how we respond. John shows that belief isn’t a human achievement—it’s a gift of grace, opening our eyes to recognize the shepherd’s voice. As we’ll see in John 11 with Lazarus’ resurrection, this confrontation marks a turning point, pushing the Pharisees toward decisive action against Jesus.
Please listen to the podcast for more detail and explanation.
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Series: Gospel of John: Believe and Find Life
Study: Gospel of John Bible Study Resources
Podcast season 25, episode 20
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