What does Jesus knowing "from the beginning" reveal about His divine nature? Setting the Scene John 6 records Jesus feeding the five thousand, walking on the water, and teaching about Himself as the Bread of Life. Many listeners stumble over His words and turn away. In that tense moment the Spirit pulls back the curtain on Jesus’ inner knowledge: BSB John 6:64 “But there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray Him. Key Observations • “Jesus had known” – an enduring, settled knowledge, not a sudden insight. • “from the beginning” – before any outward evidence appeared, He already saw hearts. • “who did not believe … who would betray” – He knew both unbelief in general and Judas in particular. What This Reveals about His Divine Nature • Omniscience – Only God knows all things (Psalm 147:5; Hebrews 4:13). Jesus’ foreknowledge of hidden unbelief and a yet-future betrayal displays full divine omniscience. • Eternal perspective – “From the beginning” echoes Isaiah 46:10, “declaring the end from the beginning.” Jesus shares the timeless vantage point of the LORD. • Sovereign purpose – He chose Judas (John 6:70-71) fully aware of the outcome, steering events toward the cross foreordained “before the foundation of the world” (1 Peter 1:19-20). • Perfect discernment – Unlike human leaders who rely on appearances, Jesus “knew all men” and “what was in a man” (John 2:24-25). His judgments are flawless. • Unshakable composure – Foreknowledge did not breed panic; Jesus continued in compassionate ministry, reminding us that divine certainty coexists with human tenderness (John 13:1). Supporting Scripture Snapshots • John 13:11 – “For He knew who was going to betray Him.” • Colossians 2:3 – “In Him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” • Revelation 1:8 – “I am the Alpha and the Omega … who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” • Isaiah 46:10 – God “declares the end from the beginning.” • Psalm 147:5 – “Great is our Lord … His understanding is infinite.” Why This Matters for Us Today • Security – The One who saved us already knows every weakness we will ever show. Nothing surprises Him; nothing voids His promise (John 10:28). • Honesty – Because He sees our hearts, surface religion is pointless. True discipleship begins with transparent surrender (Psalm 139:23-24). • Trust – If Jesus foresaw betrayal yet advanced God’s plan, He can weave even painful events in our lives into His redemptive design (Romans 8:28). • Worship – Recognizing His omniscience moves us from casual admiration to humble adoration: “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28). Takeaway Jesus’ knowledge “from the beginning” in John 6:64 is more than an interesting detail. It is a clear window into His divine, omniscient nature—worthy of awe, worthy of trust, and worthy of wholehearted devotion. |
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