Did Jesus claim to be God without specifically saying it? (Part One)

From the desk of Dr. Robert L. Taylor, Th.D. Did Jesus claim to be God? Is it possible to claim something without (specifically) saying it? Yes, it is possible to claim something without stating it directly. For example: “I and the Father are one. The Jews picked up stones again to stone Him. Jesus answered them, “I showed you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you stoning Me?” The Jews answered Him, “For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy; and because You, being a man, make Yourself out to be God” (John 10:30-33). What caused their reaction to kill Jesus? It was the words, “I and the Father are one!” What did Jesus claim with those words? He claimed that He was God without specifically saying it and the Jews understood it! Jesus’ claim to be “one” with the Father provoked the Jews’ charge of blasphemy. They clearly understood that verse 30 was a claim to deity. “For a good work we do not stone You.” These Jews asserted that they did not stone Jesus because of His miracles but because of His claim to be God (John 10:30). “But for blasphemy.” They claimed that the reason for stoning Jesus was blasphemy. They understood Jesus’ declaration of equality with the Father (John 10:30). They could not and would not move off that point. “And because You, being a Man, make Yourself God.” Their assertion was that Jesus committed blasphemy by alleging to be God as a mere man. This charge came from the claim: “I and the Father are one.” However, Jesus did not “make” Himself God. He is eternally God. Be encouraged!