Jesus as God
The Father Is in Jesus and Jesus Is in the Father
Psalm 82 uses 'gods' in a debated judicial setting; Jesus employs the text in a lesser-to-greater defense rather than reducing his status to that of those figures.
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
Divine Presence
Claims Unity with the Father
Claims Unique Sonship
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
After citing Psalm 82, Jesus calls himself the Son of God and tells his hearers to recognize that the Father is in him and he is in the Father.
Historical and Cultural Context
Psalm 82 and biblical themes of God's sanctifying and sending agents provide the immediate argumentative background.
Old Testament Background
Psalm 82:6 is the direct citation.
Exposition
Jesus' conclusion is not 'I am merely one of many gods.' He returns to his unique Sonship and mutual indwelling with the Father.
Why This Points to His Divinity
The mutual-indwelling claim intensifies rather than dissolves the unique relationship expressed in John 10:30.
Response of the Hearers
They again seek to arrest Jesus.