Models of God or God?

Jesus is talking about his unity with his father. This did not fit the model of God that Judiasm had. Jesus did not fit their model of a messiah.

John 10:19-30

19Again the Jews were divided because of these words. 20Many of them were saying, “He has a demon and is out of his mind. Why listen to him?” 21Others were saying, “These are not the words of one who has a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”

22At that time the festival of the Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter, 23and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. 24So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” 25Jesus answered, “I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name testify to me; 26but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. 27My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. 28I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. 29What my Father has given me is greater than all else, and no one can snatch it out of the Father’s hand. 30The Father and I are one.”

via Daily Lectionary Readings — Devotions and Readings — Ministries & Programs — GAMC.

We have to be careful here. Jesus makes it clear that he is the incarnation of God. Jesus is not a model of God: he is God. Now… it is often easier to believe in the model and indeed worship the model than deal with the reality of God. For God is powerful, holy, and the natural response to this is fear.

Our models feel safer, but they are not reality.