What does John 10:32 mean?
Jesus has just made a statement which was obviously going to rile His religious critics. These men had already cornered Him in an awkward location, carrying stones, and daring Him to speak (John 10:22–31). Jesus responded by reiterating His prior remarks, then going further by specifically saying that He and God were unified as One (John 10:30).The comment Jesus makes here seems to stop these men in their tracks. He knows why these men are prepared to kill Him. His question here is meant for effect: Jesus has already pointed out that His miracles ought to convince onlookers that He has divine approval (John 5:36; 10:25). Despite this, these men still object, since the signs didn't agree with their preferred theology (John 10:33).
Though the men claim Jesus is blaspheming, and is a liar, Jesus challenges them to explain the miracles He's done. As the next verses show, the mob will ignore the real point of the question and simply state the obvious: a charge of blasphemy. Jesus' response challenges whether they ought to be interpreting His words as blasphemy in the first place. What comes next is Jesus using ancient debate techniques: turning the tables on these masters of Old Testament law.
