PROOFS OF JESUS DIVINITY: OMNISCIENCE

1). INTRODUCTION

Amongst many other claims to divinity made by Jesus, He spoke of His Omnipresence (Matthew 18:20 & 28:20); He spoke of His Omnipotence – only God has the power to both hear and answer prayer (John 14:13-14) and He spoke with Omniscient power. This Post will focus on the 3rd of these Omni-abilities.

Now Muslims and other critics will attempt to short circuit discussion of this divine attribute of Jesus by leaping upon Mark 13:32 as a proof text that Jesus cannot be God because He is not all knowing.

“Now concerning that day or hour no one knows — neither the angels in heaven nor the Son — except the Father.” (Mark 13:32 HCSB – see also Matthew 24:36)

In one other instance Jesus defers to the Father in a similar vein:

“He told them, “You will indeed drink My cup. But to sit at My right and left is not Mine to give; instead, it belongs to those for whom it has been prepared by My Father.” (Matthew 20:23 HCSB)

We can note at the outset that Muslims and other critics do not deny the principle of testing Jesus according to His omniscient power, merely that this one verse is all sufficient proof that He doesn’t have it. But that premature conclusion is to ignore all the other weighty evidence that suggests a very different reality.

Before we engage with that evidence, first an explanation for why Jesus said He did not know the hour of His return.

2). JESUS THE MAN “EMPTIED HIMSELF”

Within the framework of the doctrine of the Trinity fits the fact that Jesus did not (arguably only because in His self imposed earthly human limitations He could not consciously access it, or more simply put, He simply had no need to know during His first Coming) the time of His return at the second Coming.

Jesus is both God and man. He has two natures. He was divine and human at the same time. This teaching is known as the hypostatic union, that is, the coming-together of two natures in one person. Hebrews 2:9 says Jesus was “…made for a LITTLE WHILE  lower than the angels…”  In Philippians 2:5-8 Paul says that Jesus “EMPTIED HIMSELF”, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men…”  Colossians 2:9 says, “For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form.” Jesus was both God and man at the same time.

But the fact that He “Emptied Himself” implied He gave up much of what He had previously possessed in glory, in order to become a man. He accepted self imposed limitations, another obvious example being, He was limited in time and place just as we are. He temporarily gave up His omnipresent capability.

As a man, Jesus cooperated with the limitations of being a man. That is why we have verses like Luke 2:52 that says: “Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.” Therefore, at this point in His ministry He could naturally and logically say He did not know the day nor hour of His return. It is not a denial of His being God but a confirmation of His being man. As a man you would expect there to be some limitations on the reach of His knowledge as for example things He simply did not need to know during His ministry. This was one of those.

3). MUSLIM LOGIC CUTS TWO WAYS

Now Muslims will have to agree that their logic that Jesus cannot be God because He does not know all things, cuts both ways. In other words, if we can find Scriptures where Jesus DOES know all things, including things that are beyond human power or capability then that would have to prove He was God, wouldn’t it? You simply cannot use only what supports your position and ignore that which does not.

What if we have one verse that says Jesus did not know all things and another single verse that says he did know all things, then isn’t that a contradiction?  No, it is not. In the first place as a matter of exegetical principle you cannot make or break a doctrine with a single verse. Scripture must harmonise. So we need to see where the weight or balance of evidence lies in the totality of Scripture. What do other verses on this matter say? Only when we have all relevant testimony assembled, can we then draw an informed conclusion.

As a matter of fact, the doctrine of the Trinity is not based upon single cherrypicked verses so neither can any attempt to dismantle or challenge it be.

4). JESUS KNEW THEIR THOUGHTS, COULD READ MINDS, KNOWS OUR PAST AND COULD PREDICT FAR AND NEAR FUTURE EVENTS

Since Muslims want to judge Jesus on His powers of knowledge, let them also judge Him on this evidence:

■ “When the Pharisees heard this, they said, “The man drives out demons only by Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons.” KNOWING THEIR THOUGHTS, He told them: “Every kingdom divided against itself is headed for destruction, and no city or house divided against itself will stand. If I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come to you.”
(Matthew 12:24-25, 28 HCSB)

□ Jesus was able to discern their thinking without them having spoken. Is mind reading a normal human capability?

■ “But, so we won’t offend them, go to the sea, cast in a fishhook, and take the first fish that you catch. When you open its mouth you’ll find a coin.   Take it and give it to them for Me and you.” (Matthew 17:27 HCSB)

□ This is an example of both prophetic forthtelling and miracle.

■ “Then the Pharisees went and plotted how to trap Him by what He said. But PERCEIVING THEIR MALICE, Jesus said, “Why are you testing Me, hypocrites?” (Matthew 22:15, 18 HCSB)

□ Another example of Jesus mind reading ability

■ “Then Jesus said to them, “Tonight ALL OF YOU WILL RUN AWAY BECAUSE OF ME, for it is written: I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.” (Matthew 26:31 HCSB)

□ An example of imminent prophetic forthtelling which in spite of their protests, was fulfilled almost immediately in:

“But all this has happened so that the prophetic Scriptures would be fulfilled.” THEN ALL THE DISCIPLES DESERTED HIM AND RAN AWAY.”
(Matthew 26:56 HCSB)

■ “But AFTER I HAVE BEEN RESURRECTED, I will go ahead of you to Galilee.” (Matthew 26:32 HCSB)

□ Confirmed firstly by the angel:

“Then go quickly and tell His disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead. In fact, HE IS GOING AHEAD OF YOU TO GALILEE; YOU WILL SEE HIM THERE.’ Listen, I have told you.” (Matthew 28:7 HCSB)

□ Secondly, as fulfilled in John 21:1-14.

■ “I assure you,” Jesus said to him, “tonight, before the rooster crows, YOU WILL DENY ME THREE TIMES! ” (Matthew 26:34 HCSB)

□ Imminent prophetic word fulfilled by …

“ … and Peter remembered the words Jesus had spoken, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly.” (Matthew 26:75 HCSB)

■ “But some of the scribes were sitting there, thinking to themselves:  “Why does He speak like this? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” RIGHT AWAY JESUS UNDERSTOOD IN HIS SPIRIT THAT THEY WERE THINKING LIKE THIS WITHIN THEMSELVES and said to them, “Why are you thinking these things IN YOUR HEARTS?” (Mark 2:6-8 HCSB)

□ Another example of Jesus reading their thoughts.

■ “And He told them: “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the sight of others, but God KNOWS YOUR HEARTS. For what is highly admired by people is revolting in God’s sight.” (Luke 16:15 HCSB)

□ Here Jesus just confirmed His reading of the hearts of the Pharisees in Mark 2:6-8, is a Divine function of God.

■ “Then Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him and said about him, “Here is a true Israelite; no deceit is in him.” “How do you know me? ” Nathanael asked. “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you,” Jesus answered.” (John 1:47-48 HCSB)

□ Jesus knew who Nathaniel was and saw him from afar.

■ “Jesus answered, “Destroy this sanctuary, and I will raise it up in three days.”  But He was speaking about the sanctuary of His body.  So when He was raised from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this. And they believed the Scripture and the statement Jesus had made.” (John 2:19, 21-22 HCSB)

□ Just one of dozens of occasions when Jesus predicted His death and resurrection see the whole list here:

http://www.o-bible.com/BiblicalInformation/index.html#!JESUS-PREDICTS-HIS-OWN-DEATH-AND-RESURRECTION]

■ “Jesus, however, would not entrust Himself to them, since HE KNEW THEM ALL and because He did not need anyone to testify about man; for HE HIMSELF KNEW WHAT WAS IN MAN.” (John 2:24-25 HCSB)

■ “Go call your husband,” He told her, “and come back here.” “I don’t have a husband,” she answered. “You have correctly said, ‘I don’t have a husband,’ ” Jesus said. “FOR YOU’VE HAD FIVE HUSBANDS, AND THE MAN YOU NOW HAVE IS NOT YOUR HUSBAND. WHAT YOU HAVE SAID IS TRUE.” Then the woman left her water jar, went into town, and told the men, “Come, SEE A MAN WHO TOLD ME EVERYTHING I EVER! Could this be the Messiah? ” (John 4:16-18, 28-29 HCSB)

□ An example of Jesus knowing and accurately stating this stranger’s sordid past life.

■ “Therefore, when many of His disciples heard this, they said, “This teaching is hard! Who can accept it? ” Jesus, KNOWING IN HIMSELF THAT HIS DISCIPLES WERE COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS, asked them, “Does this offend you? Then what if you were to observe the Son of Man ascending to where He was before? The Spirit is the One who gives life. The flesh doesn’t help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life. But there are some among you who don’t believe.” (For Jesus KNEW FROM THE BEGINNING THOSE WHO WOULD NOT BELIEVE AND THE ONE WHO WOULD BETRAY HIM.) (John 6:60-64 HCSB)

□ Another example of Jesus omniscient ability to read minds and foresee future events.

■ “For He KNEW WHO WOULD BETRAY HIM. This is why He said, “You are not all clean.”
(John 13:11 HCSB)

■ “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit — the Father will send Him in My name — will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you.” (John 14:26 HCSB)

And

“While He was together with them, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for the Father’s promise. “This,” He said, “is what  you heard from Me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:4-5, 8 HCSB)

□ Fulfilled a few days later by:

“When the day of Pentecost had arrived, they were all together in one place.Suddenly a sound like that of a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were staying. And tongues, like flames of fire that were divided, appeared to them and rested on each one of them. Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different languages, as the Spirit gave them ability for speech.” (Acts 2:1-4 HCSB)

… and by the rest of the New Testament and 2000 years of witness testimonies to this day.

■ “When daybreak came, Jesus stood on the shore. However, the disciples did not know it was Jesus. “Men,”  Jesus called to them, “YOU DON’T HAVE ANY FISH, DO YOU? ” “No,” they answered. “Cast the net on the right side of the boat,” He told them, “and YOU’LL FIND SOME.” So they did, and THEY WERE UNABLE TO HAUL IT IN BECAUSE OF THE LARGE NUMBER OF FISH. (John 21:4-6 HCSB)

□ Another example of omniscience and immediate miraculous prophetic fulfilment.

5). DISCUSSION

Now Muslims must explain how Jesus on numerous occasions knew what only God knows? Who alone knows us from afar, can read our very thoughts and from whom we can hide nothing of our past?

There is NOTHING we can hide from God – including and most especially our worship of foreign gods:

“If we had forgotten the name of our God and spread out our hands to a foreign god, wouldn’t God have found this out, since HE KNOWS THE SECRETS OF THE HEART?” (Psalms 44:20-21 HCSB)

“HE REVEALS THE DEEP AND HIDDEN THINGS; HE KNOWS WHAT IS IN THE DARKNESS, and light dwells with Him.” (Daniel 2:22 HCSB)

“For nothing is concealed that won’t be revealed, and nothing hidden that won’t be made known and come to light.” (Luke 8:17 HCSB)

Muslims how is your prejudicial reading of the single cherrypicked verse of Mark 13:32 looking now?

Even in His lowly incarnate unglorified form, Jesus had phenomenal superhuman powers of knowledge and prediction. But there is still more.

6). JESUS AFTER THE RESURRECTION

It was before Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection when He said the Father alone knew the day and hour of His return. It wasn’t until after Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection that divine omniscience could be fully restored to Jesus. 

As we’ve already established, Jesus was co-operating with the limitations of being a man to complete His ministry on this earth. He was then glorified in His resurrection. Yet, He was still a man (cf. Colossians 2:9; 1 Timothy 2:5). There are noticeable changes in Jesus after His resurrection.

After Jesus’ resurrection, He was able to appear and disappear at will. (Luke 24:31; John 20:19 & 26)

This is not the normal ability of a man; it is, apparently, the normal ability of a resurrected and glorified man. Jesus was different after the resurrection. There had been another change. He was still a man, and yet now He knew all things.

Another Post Resurrection example from John:

“He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, YOU KNOW ALL THINGS; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Tend My sheep,” (John 21:17).

Notice Jesus did not correct Peter and say, “Hold on Peter, I do not know all things.” He let Peter continue on with his statement that Jesus knew all things. He accepted the accolade. Therefore, it must be true. In the same way as He received worship and never rejected what belongs to God alone.

Then again, just before His ascension the disciples asked Jesus:

“So when they had come together, they asked Him, “Lord, are You restoring the kingdom to Israel at this time?” He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or periods that the Father has set by His own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:6-8 HCSB)

Notice how Jesus replied. He did not say I do not know or cannot tell you. His answer then implied that He could have told them but the reason given is because “it’s not for them to know times or periods, set by the Father”. In other words, it was they who now had no need to know, in the same way as Jesus Himself had no need to know during the ministry of His first coming.

And saving the best for last, if Jesus is not God because the critics claim He did not know something, then that poses a problem for God. Check out this verse.

Revelation 19:12–13, “His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems; and He has a name written on Him which NO ONE KNOWS EXCEPT HIMSELF. He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God.”

So, if Jesus is the only one who knows this name – which means God the Father doesn’t – then God the Father, can’t be God. So much for the logic of Muslim and other critics. A single verse proves nothing except confirm the adage “a verse without a context is a pretext”.

I guarantee that you will NEVER see any of the above verses, or those quoted at length In Section 4 affirming Jesus omniscience, mentioned  by Muslims. Not only do they not bring them they will deny them and imagine they are an invention of anonymous gospel authors. Or they will resort to the Pharisaic accusation that Jesus was doing His signs by the power of Satan. (In fact that is precisely what they do: they claim Jesus only worked miracles by Allah’s leave).

In doing so they prove they are not interested in who Jesus proved Himself to be, they simply want to selectively twist verses to fit their narrative and preconceived prejudices. In doing so they are rejecting the truth of God’s word, dishonouring Jesus and discrediting His divine omniscience.

7). CONCLUSIONS

Within the hierarchical framework of the Trinity fits the fact that Jesus did not (arguably only because in His self imposed earthly human limitations He could not consciously access it and in any event did not need it), have the knowledge of the time of His return.

Some may prefer to think that Jesus does not know these details even in His glory. Fine. Whichever way you take it, this knowledge fits within the rank of Father to Son to Spirit within the Triune Godhead. The doctrine of the Triune godhead survives detailed examination; as does the divine omniscience of Jesus of the thoughts and hearts of men, and His omnipotence in foreseeing predicting and fulfilling prophecy such as only God is able to do.

Now who shall we believe?

□ God alone knows all our innermost thoughts.

■ So does Jesus. (See verses quoted above)

□ Only God can predict the future far and near and fulfill it with 100% accuracy.

■ So did Jesus. (See verses quoted above)

□ God alone hears and answers all prayers and has divine omnipresence wherever spoken in a gathering, and divine omnipotence to bring them about.

■ So does Jesus. (See Matthew 18:20; John 14:13-14)

MAKE NO MISTAKE: #JESUS_is_GOD

Comment:

Even Mark.13:32 can be beautifully explained..
The rapture can be explained being a parallel of a Jewish wedding. Jesus is the BRIDEGROOM returning for his BRIDE…..the Church (or the Body of Christ) 
In a Jewish wedding the woman is betrothed to a man. Then she has to wait a considerable time before her BRIDEGROOM comes to take her back to his home. During that time the groom works with his father on their home to make extra rooms for the married couple to live in. It is the father’s prerogative to finish the house and then pronounce to the prospective groom when the time is ready for him to go and collect his BRIDE. Meanwhile the prospective BRIDE has to keep herself ready at all times because she doesn’t know the day nor the hour when the groom will come and they will be married. The groom also doesn’t know….only the father knows. When the rooms are finished the Father tells his Son and they all go in procession (usually at night) to get the BRIDE, marry her and take her to his home.
It is a beautiful parallel of Jesus and the saints who are promised to Jesus as His bride!
So to anyone who mocks the fact that Jesus doesn’t know the time nor hour, explain this amazing Jewish wedding to them.