JOHN 10:31–39
ATTEMPTED STONING AND JESUS’ DEFENSE OF HIS DIVINE MISSION
Text – John 10:31–39
31 The Jews again picked up rocks to stone him.
32 Jesus answered them, “I have shown you many good works from my Father. For which of these are you trying to stone me?”
33 The Jews answered him, “We are not stoning you for a good work but for blasphemy. You, a man, are making yourself God.”
34 Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your law, ‘I said, You are gods’?
35 If it calls them gods to whom the word of God came, and Scripture cannot be set aside,
36 can you say that the one whom the Father has consecrated and sent into the world blasphemes because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’?”
37 If I do not perform my Father’s works, do not believe me;
38 but if I perform them, even if you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may realize and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.”
39 Then they tried again to arrest him, but he escaped from their power.
Historical and Jewish Context
Stoning was the prescribed punishment for blasphemy under the Mosaic Law. The charge arises directly from Jesus’ statement, “The Father and I are one.” By citing Psalm 82, Jesus employs a recognized rabbinic method of argument from Scripture, showing that the term “gods” could be applied in a derivative sense to those entrusted with God’s word. His appeal to His works reflects a biblical pattern where divine action authenticates divine authority. The repeated attempts to arrest Him underline the growing hostility and the belief that Jesus has crossed an unforgivable boundary.
Catholic Theological Perspective
This passage clarifies that Jesus does not retract His claim to divine sonship. Catholic theology affirms that Jesus is truly God and truly man. His argument does not deny divinity but reveals the inconsistency of His accusers’ reasoning. The unity between Father and Son is reaffirmed not only in words but in works. Jesus invites faith grounded in evidence: if His words are rejected, His works still testify to His divine mission. His escape highlights divine sovereignty—His hour has not yet come.
Parallels in Scripture
Psalm 82:6 – “You are gods.”
Wisdom 2:18–20 – Accusation against the righteous one.
John 5:36 – Works that testify to Jesus.
John 14:10–11 – The Father dwelling in the Son.
Acts 14:11–15 – Clarifying divine authority and mission.
Key Terms
Blasphemy – Claiming divine identity.
Consecrated – Set apart by the Father.
Sent – Divine mission.
Works – Visible signs of God’s action.
The Father in me – Unity of divine life.
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This Gospel is proclaimed in Ordinary Time and near the end of Lent, preparing the faithful for the Passion narratives. The Church uses this passage to affirm Christ’s divinity and to strengthen believers in faith amid opposition.
Conclusion
John 10:31–39 presents a decisive confrontation over Jesus’ identity. Faced with accusations of blasphemy, Jesus points to Scripture and to His works as testimony to His divine mission. Faith is invited to move beyond hostility toward recognition of the Father’s presence in the Son.
Reflection
Do I allow Christ’s works to deepen my faith in His divinity?
How do I respond when faith is challenged or opposed?
Do I trust God’s timing in moments of conflict?
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Father, strengthen my faith in Your divine mission. Help me to recognize Your works and to believe with courage and humility. Keep me steadfast in truth even when faith is challenged. Amen.