All Knowledge and No "Puff"

Jesus had just finished saying to the twelve that after His resurrection they should no longer ask Him anything. They should ask the Father in Jesus’ name, because the Father Himself loved them.

“Now we can see that you know all things and that you do not even need to have anyone ask you questions. This makes us believe that you came from God” (John 16:30).

Normally, we would come to two conclusions concerning John 16:30. Either a person who knew all things would not need to ask anyone any questions, or a person who knew all things would want others to ask him questions in order to display his knowledge.

Because Jesus spoke clearly and without figures of speech, the twelve first could see that He knew all things, and second that He did not need to have anyone ask Him questions. These two conclusions made them believe that he came from God.

"Knowing all things" would make any person believe that Jesus came from God. However, that was not convincing enough for the twelve. They also knew Jesus was not interested in displaying His knowledge. He had no need for someone to ask Him questions so He could answer them and gain praise from men. On the contrary, He was humble and secure, though knowing all things. According to 1 Corinthians 8:1, "knowledge puffs up." More knowledge = more puff; all knowledge = all puff. However, in Jesus' case, it was all knowledge and no puff. He had no need that anyone ask Him questions, therefore they believed he came from God.

Written November 1991.

This post coordinates with yesterday's reading in the To the Word! Bible Reading Challenge. If you are not in a daily reading plan, please join us at TotheWord.com. We would love to have you reading with us.

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