Jesus as God
I and the Father Are One
The neuter form of 'one' does not mean that Father and Son are one person; the surrounding context concerns unity in divine action and power.
How this passage contributes to the case:
The labels below identify the kinds of evidence for Jesus' divinity found in this passage.
Select a label for an explanation.
Divine Identity
Unique Relationship with the Father
Accepted Divine Testimony
Claims Unity with the Father
Strength of evidence: Strong.
This passage provides substantial evidence relevant to Jesus' divine identity when read in its literary and historical context.
Scripture
What Was Said or Done
Jesus declares, 'I and the Father are one,' and his opponents say they intend to stone him because, being a man, he makes himself God.
Historical and Cultural Context
Jewish monotheism makes the charge of making oneself God especially serious.
Old Testament Background
Deuteronomy 6:4 provides the broad monotheistic background.
Exposition
The opponents' charge is not sufficient by itself, but Jesus does not retract the unity claim. He proceeds to defend his unique consecration and mutual indwelling with the Father.
Why This Points to His Divinity
The passage explicitly places the question of Jesus' deity within the narrative and connects it to his unity with the Father.
Response of the Hearers
The opponents pick up stones and accuse Jesus of blasphemy.