Why Did Jesus Claim We Are Gods?

Understanding Context and Biblical References

The question of why Jesus said, "You are gods" (Psalm 82:6) is a familiar one within religious discourse. This verse, often examined in the context of Jesus' teachings, can be quite illuminating when we delve into the broader biblical references and historical context.

Context of Psalm 82

When considering the verse from Psalm 82:6-7, it is crucial to understand who Jesus, as a Bible scholar, might have been addressing. Psalm 82 is a poetic text where God addresses the judges and kings of the earth. These rulers are referred to as "sons of the Most High" (Psalm 82:6), signifying their claimed divine status. However, God tells them that they are mortal and subject to judgment, despite their perceived divine nature. This psalm critiques the arrogance of such rulers, highlighting the ultimate sovereignty of God.

Jesus Claiming Divine Status

Understanding this passage in its biblical context can help us interpret Jesus' claims. Jesus often portrayed himself as a divine figure, especially in passages such as John 8:58: "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am." This statement is a direct allusion to God's name, "I Am" (Exodus 3:14), emphasizing his being and divine nature. Jesus and his followers also frequently referred to him as "Lord" and "God" (Mark 12:35-37; John 20:28).

Historical and Theological Context

It is important to differentiate between the historical Jesus and the theological interpretation of his teachings. The consensus among scholars is that Jesus, during his lifetime, did not claim deity in the sense known today. However, early Christian communities saw him as divine and attributed such claims to him, likely for theological reasons and to emphasize his unique status with God the Father.

Pardes Theoretical Explanation

From a rabbinic perspective, the phrase "You are gods" can be understood through the Pardes (four levels of biblical interpretation): Peshat (literal), Remez (hinted), Derash (application), and Sod (secret or mystical). The literal interpretation aligns with the kings being addressed as "judges" or "sons of the Most High," while the deeper meaning could signify that those who truly guide others and make just judgments can be likened to divine beings.

Reconciling Divine and Human Aspects

The statement "You are gods" can thus be seen as Jesus asserting the potential divine status that all humans have when they live justly and guide others with wisdom. This aligns with the idea that as humans, we are called to reflect God's image and act justly, thus taking on a divine role in our own spheres of influence.

Supplementary Scriptures

Further support for this interpretation can be found in Philippians 2:6-11, where Jesus' humble service and exaltation are highlighted, emphasizing that humans can also achieve a similar status through humble service and adherence to divine teachings. This passage can be seen as a call for all humans to achieve godliness and divine status in their own lives.

Conclusion

In summary, the statement "You are gods" in Psalm 82 is a theological and contextual reference that highlights both the inherent potential of human beings to act justly and the ultimate sovereignty of God. Jesus' teachings, whether in his own time or as interpreted by early Christians, emphasize this potential and call for all humans to strive for divine attributes through righteous living and service.