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Sample Scriptures in the gospel of John that show the deity of Christ Jesus
By: Grace Arnold-Obomanu.
According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, the word deity refers to; the rank or essential nature of a god (divinity). It also refers to GOD, a supreme being, and it also means one exalted or revered as supremely good or powerful.
The bible recognizes Jesus Christ as God (Philippians 2:6, Hebrews 1:8, Isaiah 9:6-7, 1 Timothy 3:16, etc). In this write-up, I share four (4) scriptures from the gospel of John that allude to the deity of Christ.
1. John 20:27-29, NKJV
“Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving but believing.” And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
In verse 28 of John chapter 20, Thomas referred to Jesus as ‘My Lord and God’, and Jesus did not refute being addressed by this title. Instead, He points out to Thomas that his believe was based on the physical evidence rather than on faith. Emphasizing that it is better to operate by faith than by physical evidence or sight.
By not rejecting or correcting Thomas’ acknowledgement of Him as ‘Lord and God’, Jesus accepts this recognition from Thomas. This communicates that He was comfortable being referred to as God, thus confirming His deity.
2. John 17:1-2, NKJV
“Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him.”
In the first verse of John 17, Jesus speaking to God the Father, refers to Himself as ‘Your Son’. This means that He equates Himself as having same substance and nature as God (John 5:18). This claim situates Him in the Godhead, making Him part of deity.
3. John 10:17-18
“Therefore, My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father.”
First, in verse 17 of John chapter 10, Jesus refers to God as His Father, therefore equating Himself with God, and situating Himself as deity.
Second, in verse 18 of same scripture, Jesus claims to have power to end His life and also retrieve it.
In Deuteronomy 32 verse 39, God categorically states that He is the one who has powers give and end life.
“Now see that I, even I, am He, and there is no God besides Me; I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; nor is there any who can deliver from My hand.” Deuteronomy 32:39, NKJV.
We also see a similar assertion in First Samuel chapter 2 verse 6, (1 Samuel 6:2), where Hannah acknowledges that God has the power give and end live.
“The Lord kills and makes alive; He brings down to the grave and brings up.” I Samuel 2:6, NKJV.
So, by claiming that He can both give up and retrieve His life, Jesus was claiming also to be God and therefore deity. It is no surprise then that His claims caused division among the Jews whom He addressed. While some of the Jews aligned with His claims citing His previous miracles as confirmatory of His divine powers, others thought He was mentally unwell. This division was in response to their understanding that Jesus’ claims to give and take life, makes Him God.
4. John 8:58, NKJV
“Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.”
In this verse Jesus claims the title; ‘I AM’.
Even though He said it to communicate to His audience that His existence backdates Abraham’s, the title ‘I AM’ was exclusively used by God to introduce Himself to Moses in Exodus chapter 3 verse 14.
“And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.” Exodus 3:14, NKJV
So, by ascribing this title to Himself, Jesus was claiming to be God and therefore, deity.