The theme of Jesus being informed is a significant aspect of His earthly ministry, reflecting both His divine omniscience and His human experience. Throughout the Gospels, various instances illustrate how Jesus received information, responded to it, and demonstrated His profound understanding of human nature and divine will.

Divine Omniscience and Human Experience

Jesus, as the Son of God, possessed divine knowledge. However, during His earthly ministry, He also experienced life as a human, which included receiving information from others. This dual nature is a mystery that underscores His unique role as the mediator between God and humanity.

Instances of Being Informed

1. The Death of Lazarus: In John 11:3, Jesus is informed by Mary and Martha that their brother Lazarus is ill: "So the sisters sent word to Him, 'Lord, the one You love is sick.'" Despite receiving this information, Jesus already knew the outcome, as He later tells His disciples, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it" (John 11:4).

2. The Feeding of the Five Thousand: In John 6:5-6, Jesus is informed about the large crowd that had gathered: "When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward Him, He said to Philip, 'Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?' He asked this only to test him, for He already had in mind what He was going to do." This passage highlights Jesus' awareness and His intention to teach His disciples through the situation.

3. The Woman with the Issue of Blood: In Mark 5:30, after a woman touches His garment and is healed, Jesus perceives that power has gone out from Him and asks, "Who touched My clothes?" This question, though seemingly seeking information, serves to bring the woman's faith into the open, demonstrating Jesus' sensitivity to individual needs and His desire for personal interaction.

4. The Betrayal by Judas: Jesus was informed of Judas' betrayal, yet He was already aware of it. In John 13:21, He declares, "Truly, truly, I tell you, one of you will betray Me." This foreknowledge underscores His divine insight and the fulfillment of Scripture.

5. The News of John the Baptist's Death: In Matthew 14:12-13, Jesus is informed of John the Baptist's death: "John’s disciples came and took his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus. When Jesus heard what had happened, He withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place." This response reflects His human emotions and the need for solitude in times of grief.

Responses to Being Informed

Jesus' responses to being informed were always aligned with His mission and the will of the Father. He used these moments to teach, heal, and reveal His divine nature. His reactions were characterized by compassion, wisdom, and authority, demonstrating His perfect understanding of every situation.

Theological Implications

The instances where Jesus is informed highlight the mystery of the Incarnation—God becoming man. They reveal how Jesus, while fully divine, engaged with the world in a fully human way. His ability to receive information and respond appropriately is a testament to His role as the perfect mediator who understands human frailty and yet possesses divine authority.

In summary, the theme of Jesus being informed is a profound aspect of His ministry, illustrating His dual nature and His perfect harmony with the Father's will. Through these interactions, believers gain insight into the character of Christ and His compassionate engagement with humanity.