What does John 10:37 mean?
Jesus is wrapping up a somewhat intricate point. This is a common deliberation technique, often used by scholars and politicians of Jesus' era. While debating the meaning of the Scriptures, scribes and Pharisees might string together several references to the Word of God, implying a certain logical outcome. When threatened with stoning for blasphemy (John 10:30–31), Jesus responded with one such argument. He pointed out how the Old Testament sometimes used the same term for human authorities—elohim—as it did for God Himself—Elohim (Psalm 82). Jesus' point is that when God divinely appoints someone, it's not automatically blasphemy for them to use such terms in reference to themselves (John 10:32–36).In practical terms, Jesus' critics can either condemn Scripture as wrong or accept that His claims might have merit.
Of course, Jesus is not saying that humans are equal to God the Father. Instead, He is saying that such claims must be weighed according to the evidence—most importantly, the actions of the person speaking. Since the Word of God is perfect and without error (John 10:35), the mere use of those words ought not be the issue. Rather, these men ought to be looking at the miracles Jesus has done as proof that He is truthful. Others have done exactly that, coming to the right conclusion (John 3:1–2; 10:19–21).
Jesus also points out that if His actions—or the actions of anyone else—don't line up with such claims, then statements like His would indeed be blasphemy. If Jesus did not do works as granted by God, these men would be obligated to reject Him as being a false teacher and blasphemer. Since Jesus has acted in harmony with the will of God, however, they have no excuse for ignoring Him.
In the following verse, Jesus will also explain how their personal distaste for Him shouldn't cloud their judgment. His works, in and of themselves, are crucial pieces of evidence.
John 10:22–42 happens a few months after the controversy which began in chapter 9. Here, Jesus is cornered in an overt threat by the same religious leaders He has been castigating for years. He echoes metaphors about sheep and shepherds. Jesus points out that His teachings and miracles are all consistent with predictions of the Messiah. Yet these men refuse to accept Him. This culminates in another attempt on Jesus' life, which He somehow avoids. This represents the last time Jesus will publicly teach prior to His crucifixion.
This passage continues Jesus' discussion with the religious leaders of Jerusalem, seen in chapter 9. Jesus lays out three separate analogies about His ministry using the concept of sheep and shepherds. In those statements, Jesus explains why some people refuse to accept Him. He declares Himself the only means of salvation. He again predicts His sacrificial death. This leads to controversy. Later, Jesus is cornered by a mob in the temple grounds. They try to stone Him as He repeats His divine claims, but He escapes in a way not fully described by the text. After this, Jesus leaves the area and returns to the region where John the Baptist had once preached.
