But Jesus answered them, “My Father is working until now, and I am working.” This was why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.” (John 5:17-18)
I’ve heard many people argue that Jesus never claimed to be God. That is simply not true. Now, Jesus did not declare Himself to be God like we would in our contemporary Western mindset. He did not say, “I am God.” However, from a Jewish and Middle Eastern point of view, Jesus declared Himself to be God many times. He did this through the seven “I am” statements recorded in the gospel, but also by calling God His own Father, making himself equal with God.”
If you don’t believe that was Jesus calling Himself God, then why did the Jews try to kill Him after He said this? It’s because they believed He had committed blasphemy by declaring Himself equal with the Father.
Remember, the Jews knew that “God is one” (Deuteronomy 6:4). And Jesus comes along stating that He is one with the Father! No wonder they wanted to kill Him. And eventually they did, as Jesus was hung on a cross.
So, Jesus declared Himself to be God. (He did that other times as well. For example, Mark 14:62, John 8:58, and Matthew 16:16.) But truthfully, anyone can say that they’re God. But Jesus proved His statement by a sign. We can remember that Jesus’ points always have proofs!
“Lord, I thank you that Jesus declared Himself to be God. I thank you that I can have strong, peaceful assurance that the Jesus I love, know, and serve is the Son of God! And thank you for backing up your statements with signs, proving yourself to be the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. May I rest in that knowledge today, and for all eternity!”
Reflection Questions:
Why do you think so many people doubt the deity of Jesus?
C.S. Lewis said, “Someone who claims to be God is either a liar, a lunatic, or the Lord.” What are your thoughts on that statement?
If someone were to ask you if Jesus is God, what proofs would you tell them to prove that Jesus really is God?