The concept of Jesus' omniscience is a significant aspect of Christology, affirming His divine nature and His unity with God the Father. Omniscience, the attribute of possessing complete and infinite knowledge, is traditionally ascribed to God alone. However, the New Testament provides numerous instances that suggest Jesus, in His earthly ministry, exhibited this divine attribute, thereby affirming His deity.

Biblical Evidence of Jesus' Omniscience

1. Foreknowledge of Events: Jesus demonstrated His omniscience through His foreknowledge of future events. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus predicts His own death and resurrection: "From that time on Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and that He must be killed and on the third day be raised to life" (Matthew 16:21). This foreknowledge extends to the details of His betrayal by Judas Iscariot (Matthew 26:21-25) and Peter's denial (Matthew 26:34).

2. Knowledge of Human Hearts: Jesus' ability to perceive the thoughts and intentions of individuals is another testament to His omniscience. In the Gospel of John, it is recorded, "But Jesus did not entrust Himself to them, for He knew all men. He did not need any testimony about man, for He knew what was in a man" (John 2:24-25). This divine insight is further illustrated when Jesus encounters the Samaritan woman at the well, revealing her past and present circumstances (John 4:17-19).

3. Understanding of Divine Mysteries: Jesus' teachings often reveal His profound understanding of divine mysteries and the kingdom of God. In Matthew 11:27, He declares, "All things have been entrusted to Me by My Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him" . This statement underscores His unique and comprehensive knowledge of the Father, a knowledge that is reciprocal and exclusive.

4. Authority over Creation: Jesus' omniscience is also evident in His authority over creation, as seen in His miracles. When He calms the storm, His disciples marvel, "What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the sea obey Him!" (Matthew 8:27). His command over nature reflects an intimate knowledge and authority that aligns with divine omniscience.

5. Eschatological Knowledge: Jesus speaks authoritatively about the end times, providing detailed descriptions of future events. In the Olivet Discourse, He outlines the signs of the end of the age and His second coming (Matthew 24-25). While He acknowledges the mystery of the exact timing, saying, "But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father" (Matthew 24:36), this does not negate His omniscience but rather highlights the functional subordination within the Trinity during His earthly ministry.

Theological Implications

The omniscience of Jesus is a cornerstone for understanding His divine nature and His role in the Godhead. It affirms the doctrine of the hypostatic union, where Jesus is fully God and fully man. His omniscience assures believers of His perfect wisdom and guidance, providing comfort and confidence in His sovereign plan. The acknowledgment of Jesus' omniscience is essential for a robust Christology, reinforcing His identity as the eternal Son of God, co-equal and co-eternal with the Father and the Holy Spirit.