Steven Carr

John 8 '17 In your own Law it is written that the testimony of two men is valid. 18 I am one who testifies for myself; my other witness is the Father, who sent me."

John 10:30 'I and the Father are one'

So when it suits Jesus to claim that he is different from the Father, he will count two people, and when it suits him, he will count one person.

Is this wisdom or just cheap sophistry?

Is it possible to read John's Gospel and not be struck by the arrogance of the Jesus character?

Made of Snakes

I think Jesus was comparing himself to god over the matter of his converts, saying that no one could disuade his followers because of the whole "inheriting the kingdom of heaven" thing and that god would back him up. I think he was saying that god and he agreed, not that they were the same person.

Anyway I think you are partially right. The first quote does seem like a snappy comeback that any religious fanatic would say under scrutiny rather that wisdom.