Deity of Christ
Jesus called the Father "my God," so he isn't God.
Short answer
As a true man, Jesus relates to the Father as his God, and he will forever be both God and man. That is exactly what Christians believe. The same chapter ends with Thomas calling Jesus "My Lord and my God," which Jesus accepts. Hebrews 1 shows both truths side by side: the Father calls the Son "God," and also says "God, your God, has set you above your companions."
In simple words: Jesus is God, and he is also a real man. As a man, he worshiped the Father. Right after this, Thomas called Jesus "my God," and Jesus said that was right.
Response
After his resurrection, Jesus tells Mary Magdalene, "I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God" (John 20:17).
Christians have never denied that Jesus, in his human nature, relates to the Father as his God. That is part of being truly human. What the verse does not say is that Jesus is merely human.
Notice the careful wording. Jesus does not say "our Father" or "our God," putting himself on the same level as the disciples. He says "my Father and your Father." He is Son by nature; they are children by adoption (Galatians 4:4-7).
Just eleven verses later, Thomas sees the risen Jesus and says, "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28). Jesus does not correct him; he blesses those who believe. Compare that with Paul and Barnabas, who tore their clothes when people tried to treat them as gods (Acts 14:11-15).
Hebrews 1:8-9, quoting Psalm 45, holds both truths in one breath: "Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever… therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions." The Son is addressed as God, and the Father is his God. That is the Christian faith in a single sentence.
Key evidence
- Jesus says "my Father and your Father," not "our Father," distinguishing his sonship from the disciples'.
- In the same chapter, Thomas calls Jesus "my God," and Jesus accepts it (John 20:28-29).
- Hebrews 1:8-9 calls the Son "God" and also says the Father is his God.
- Others rejected worship immediately (Acts 14:11-15; Revelation 22:8-9).
Bible passages
- John 20:17 "My God and your God."
- John 20:28-29 "My Lord and my God!"
- Hebrews 1:8-9 "Your throne, O God… God, your God."
- Psalm 45:6-7 The psalm quoted in Hebrews.
- Acts 14:11-15 Paul and Barnabas refuse worship.
Discussion questions
- Why does Jesus say "my Father and your Father" instead of "our Father"?
- How does Thomas's confession, eleven verses later, help us read verse 17?
- How can Hebrews 1:8-9 call the Son "God" and also speak of "your God"?