Jesus: The True Head of Heaven’s Council

Sermon Title: “Jesus: The True Head of Heaven’s Council” Text: John 10:30–36 (ESV)

Abstract

This sermon explores how Jesus reveals His divine authority in John 10:30–36 by identifying Himself as one with the Father and quoting Psalm 82. Michael Heiser’s “divine council” framework helps illuminate this passage: the “gods” of Psalm 82 were spiritual beings judged for their failure to rule justly, and Jesus claims the place of ultimate authority over them. He is not merely one among heavenly rulers but the one sent from the Father to judge and redeem both heaven and earth. For believers, this truth means that Christ reigns as the supreme head of the divine council—and our lives are governed by His justice, truth, and grace.

Opening Prayer

Almighty Father, We come before You in awe of Your wisdom and Your Son’s glory. As we open Your Word today, reveal to us the majesty of Christ—the One who rules all powers in heaven and on earth. Help us to see Jesus not only as Savior but as Lord, not only as Redeemer but as the Ruler over every spiritual and earthly realm. In His name we pray, Amen.

Sermon Outline (25 Minutes)

Point 1: Jesus Declares His Oneness with the Father (John 10:30–31)

Explanation: Jesus’ statement, “I and the Father are one,” is not a claim of mere agreement—it’s a declaration of shared divine essence and authority. In Jewish ears, this sounded like blasphemy because only Yahweh could possess that kind of unity. The religious leaders understood perfectly: Jesus was claiming to be God in the flesh.

Application: To follow Jesus is to acknowledge His full divinity. We can’t reduce Him to a good teacher or moral guide. He is the visible expression of the invisible God—the same divine Lord who ruled Israel and who still rules the cosmos.

Point 2: Jesus References Psalm 82—The Divine Council Scene (John 10:34–35)

Explanation: When accused of blasphemy, Jesus quotes Psalm 82: “I said, you are gods.” In that psalm, God is pictured standing in the assembly of divine beings (elohim), judging them for injustice. Heiser explains that these “gods” are spiritual rulers who failed in their heavenly assignments. By citing this scene, Jesus reminds His accusers that Scripture itself acknowledges divine beings under God’s authority.

Application: This means our world is not just material—it’s spiritual. God’s heavenly court governs history. And Jesus, by invoking this passage, reveals His awareness of the unseen realm where He reigns as Lord. Believers must live with supernatural awareness: our struggles and victories participate in a much larger divine drama.

Point 3: Jesus Reveals Himself as the One Sent from the Father (John 10:36)

Explanation: Jesus adds, “Do you say of him whom the Father consecrated and sent into the world, ‘You are blaspheming,’ because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’?” He’s saying, “If even lesser divine beings can be called ‘sons of God,’ how much more the One God Himself has appointed?” Jesus isn’t part of creation—He is the Creator’s divine agent who now leads heaven’s council as the Father’s right hand.

Application: In a world filled with competing powers—political, spiritual, or personal—Jesus alone has the final word. When you submit to Christ, you are aligning with heaven’s government. He reigns as the true Head of all principalities and powers.

Point 4: Jesus’ Authority Brings Assurance and Judgment

Explanation: Psalm 82 ends with the cry, “Arise, O God, judge the earth!” That’s exactly what Jesus fulfills. The failed “gods” of the nations are dethroned; Christ now reigns as Judge and Redeemer. His authority is both comforting and sobering—He will judge wickedness and uphold justice perfectly.

Application: If Jesus is head of the divine council, no injustice escapes His rule. When you face evil, remember: the Judge of heaven’s court stands with you. And when you fail, remember that the same Judge became your Savior through the cross. His throne is not only a seat of justice—it’s also a seat of mercy.

Conclusion

Jesus’ claim in John 10:30–36 was not arrogance—it was revelation. He revealed His true place in heaven’s order: He is the one enthroned above every power. Psalm 82’s corrupt “gods” lose their seat, and Christ takes His rightful one. Through Him, the council of heaven finds its perfect head, and through His Spirit, the church becomes His earthly assembly—the ekklesia that echoes heaven’s voice.

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus, You are the One who sits at the Father’s right hand, head of all powers and authorities. We thank You that Your rule brings peace to the restless, justice to the oppressed, and mercy to sinners. Help us live under Your divine authority, walking in truth and grace. May our assemblies on earth reflect the harmony of Your council in heaven. In Your holy name we pray, Amen.

20 Keywords & Tags

Jesus; John 10:30–36; Psalm 82; divine council; elohim; Michael Heiser; Son of God; authority; unity with the Father; heavenly council; spiritual beings; judgment; justice; sovereignty; divine authority; unseen realm; divine sonship; Christology; heavenly rule; redemption.

3 Topics

Christ’s Divine Authority and Oneness with the Father

The Divine Council and Jesus’ Cosmic Headship

Believers’ Confidence under Christ’s Sovereign Rule

Would you like me to create a follow-up sermon (Part 2) from Psalm 82 itself showing how Jesus fulfills the cry “Arise, O God, judge the earth”? It would naturally extend this teaching for another 25-minute message.