John 10:34-37

34 Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your law, ‘I said, “You are gods” ’? 

35 If He called them gods, to whom the word of God came (and the Scripture cannot be broken), 

36 do you say of Him whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, ‘You are blaspheming,’ because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’? 

37 If I do not do the works of My Father, do not believe Me;

“Didn’t My Father Call the Prophets gods?”

The Jews had just told Jesus that they were not stoning Him for His good works, but were stoning Him because He spoke blasphemy when He made Himself God. The response by Jesus was interesting. He quotes Psalm 82:6 to make a point, which reads, “I said, ‘You are gods, and all of you are children of the Most High.’” What this passage means is that the human beings that God used to speak, prophesy, or perform miracles in His name were called “gods”. Then Jesus makes His point in verses 35 through 37. Paraphrasing, He says, “If My Father called humans ‘gods’ because they spoke, prophesied, and performed works in His name (and we never question the Scripture), then how can you say that I, who is set apart and sent by God into the world, am blaspheming when I say I am the Son of God? If I do not do the works of My Father, then feel free not to believe Me”. Jesus’ works showed who He was. So why was it wrong for Him to say who He was? Jesus had been sent by God to speak and do works in His name. This is no different from the prophets of old who spoke and did works in His name, and the Father called them “gods”…..”little g gods”, that is. Jesus was trying to get them to calm down and put down the stones, so He could continue to teach them. Jesus had every right to say that He was the Son of God, because everything that He said and did was in the name of the Father. He gave no credit to Himself… only to the Father. This is a mini-lesson for us. We are not to credit ourselves for the things we do for the kingdom here on earth. We shouldn’t seek any recognition for what we do. If someone gives us recognition and encouragement, then that is great. As Christians, we should encourage each other and build each other up. But we shouldn’t seek it. God gets the credit for what we do because we belong to Him. We wouldn’t be able to do anything if it weren’t for Him. 

Let’s go back to John 3 when John the baptizer’s disciples came to him concerned, because all of the people who were originally following John were now going to Jesus and His disciples to be baptized (John 3:26). Then John says some words that we can all take to heart, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven” (John 3:27). It was meant to be for everyone to leave John and go to Jesus. And Jesus would not have been able to do any good works unless God allowed Him to do so. Pure and good works come only from God. John said, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). That should be our attitude as we do our part to grow the kingdom. Jesus must increase, and we must decrease. 

We don’t need glory from other humans for things that we do. Is it nice to be encouraged for the things we do? Of course. Should we build others up who are working in the kingdom? Absolutely. But… if no one gives us a pat on the back, are we okay with that? Are we going to quit when we feel like no one appreciates us? No, we never quit, because all that should matter to us is that God is pleased with us, and one day He will reward us, and we will live with Him in glory. 

God’s Plan of Salvation

Below is the plan God has outlined in His Word for humankind to receive His grace, which leads to salvation and an eternity with God in heaven. This plan is straight from the Bible. 

We have to hear His word. (Romans 10:17) 

Upon hearing the message of Jesus, we believe it. (Mark 16:16) 

Then, we confess Jesus’ name before men. (Matthew 10:32) 

Next, we repent of our sins. (Acts 2:38, Acts 3:19) 

Finally, we are baptized into Christ for the remission of our sins.  (Acts 2:38, Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:16, Romans 6:3-4, Acts 22:16, 1 Corinthians 12:13, Galatians 3:26-27) After baptism, God adds us to His church. (Acts 2:47)

Then, we must remain faithful until death or until Jesus returns, whichever comes first. (Rev. 2:10)

God means for everyone to learn what the Bible teaches about being saved. It only takes an open heart for Jesus and a willingness to put away what we’ve been taught in the past, and truly read what God’s Word says for ourselves… and then accept what it says and obey it. If I can help you in any way, I would love to! Are you walking in the light? Are you in Christ? Are you saved? If you aren’t, or if you’re not sure if you are, I’d love to help you. Are you a member of the Lord’s church, but are struggling spiritually in your walk with Christ? If you are… believe me, I’ve been there many times, and I’d love to help you. If you have any questions, please reach out. 

I love God’s Word. It challenges me to be better… to do more in His service. It is interesting and keeps me on the edge of my seat, wondering what will happen next. It gives me confidence and builds me up, and it brings me to my knees when my soul needs convicting! Thank you, Father, for the wonderful gift of Your Word!