If Jesus is God, why did He say that the Father is the only true God in John 17:3?

Answer

For critics of the Bible, alleging contradictions or inconsistencies in the text has been a common argument against its reliability. One such assertion is found in John 17:3, where Jesus declares, “Now this is eternal life: that they know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” Those opposed to the Bible argue that this verse contradicts the idea that Jesus is God. They claim that this passage indicates that Jesus Himself acknowledges there is only one true God, distinct from Himself, as He refers to Himself separately from the “true God.”

Context Is Crucial

Some context here is beneficial. John chapter 17 consists of a prayer from Jesus to the Holy Father. Given that this is a prayer, it is natural for Jesus to distinguish God the Father separately. In this prayer, Jesus first prays for the glorification of both the Father and the Son (John 17:1-5). Subsequently, He prays for His disciples (John 17:6-19). Lastly, He prays for all believers, both present and future (John 17:20-26). These petitions occur just before the events at the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus was betrayed by Judas Iscariot and arrested by the Romans (John 18:1-14). The presentation of Jesus (the Son) and God (the Father) as distinct Beings is not a new concept. In fact, the first instance of hearing from God the Father in the New Testament is at Jesus’ baptism, where God declares, “This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased” «and lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.», (Matthew 3:17). Distinction of person does not equate to a lack of oneness.

Jesus and the Father Are One

Jesus claimed to be one with God, which made His enemies furious. In John 10:30, Jesus states unequivocally, “I and the Father are one.” The following verse says, “His Jewish opponents picked up stones to stone him” «Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him. », (John 10:31). Jesus’ assertion of being God was considered blasphemy by the Jewish leaders. Jesus then questions them: “Why do you accuse me of blasphemy because I said, ‘I am God’s Son?’ Do not believe Me unless I do the works of My Father. But if I do them, even though you do not believe Me, believe the works, so that you may know and understand that the Father is in Me, and I in the Father” (John 10:36-38). Here, Jesus challenges these skeptics to consider the miracles He had performed and find an explanation other than the fact that Jesus and God the Father are one.

Even opposing spiritual forces acknowledged that Jesus and the Father are one. When explaining saving faith to believers, James, the brother of Jesus, says, “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that— and shudder” «Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. », (James 2:19). Theologian Wayne Grudem elaborates on the concept of oneness, stating that Jesus and God the Father “are distinct persons, and the being of each person is equal to the whole being of God” (Grudem, W., Systematic Theology, Zondervan Academic, 1994).

Jesus Claimed to Be (and Is) Fully God

Although Jesus never explicitly said the words, “I am God” in the pages of the Bible, it does not diminish the fact that He

Jesus didn’t claim to be God. Right after speaking of the “only true God” in John 17:3, Jesus spoke of the glory that He had with God “before the world began” (verse 5; cf: John 1:1). Earlier, Jesus had made the following statement to the religious leaders who were resisting Him: “Very truly I tell you . . . before Abraham was born, I am!” «Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. », (John 8:58). Jesus’ reference was to Exodus 3:14 when God revealed Himself as the “I AM.” In this statement, Jesus told them point blank that He is God. The response of His enemies proved His statement was heard loud and clear. As they held stones to throw at Him, they said, “We are not stoning You for any good work but for blasphemy, because You, a mere Man, claim to be God” «The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God. », (John 10:33).

The Only True God — Conclusion

John 17:3 needs to be read in context to fully appreciate what Jesus was saying in that prayer. The contrast is not between the Father and the Son but between the Father and the world’s false gods and idols. Jesus is conversing with the Father who is in heaven while Jesus is on earth. Jesus’ statement that the Father is the only true God should not be seen as contradictory or inconsistent with the whole of the Bible, which supports the fact Jesus Christ is God.

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