Topical Bible: Christ is God: As Discerning the Thoughts of the Heart

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The doctrine of Christ's divinity is a cornerstone of Christian theology, affirming that Jesus Christ is not only the Son of God but God Himself. One of the profound attributes of His divine nature is His ability to discern the thoughts and intentions of the human heart. This attribute is traditionally ascribed to God alone, yet the New Testament provides numerous instances where Jesus demonstrates this divine capability, thereby affirming His deity.

Biblical Evidence

1. Jesus' Knowledge of Human Thoughts: The Gospels frequently depict Jesus as knowing the thoughts of those around Him. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus perceives the inner reasoning of the scribes: "But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said, 'Why do you harbor evil in your hearts?'" (Matthew 9:4). This ability to perceive internal thoughts is a clear indication of His divine insight.

2. The Samaritan Woman at the Well: In John 4, Jesus encounters a Samaritan woman and reveals intimate details about her life without prior knowledge: "Jesus said to her, 'You are right to say you have no husband. In fact, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. You have spoken truthfully.'" (John 4:17-18). The woman's astonished response, "Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ?" (John 4:29), underscores His supernatural knowledge.

3. Peter's Confession and Jesus' Response: In John 21, after His resurrection, Jesus questions Peter three times about his love for Him, mirroring Peter's three denials. Jesus' probing questions reveal His deep understanding of Peter's heart and intentions, leading to Peter's reaffirmation of his love and commitment.

4. The Rich Young Ruler: In Mark 10, Jesus encounters a wealthy young man seeking eternal life. Jesus, "looking at him, loved him and said, 'One thing you lack: Go, sell everything you own and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.'" (Mark 10:21). Jesus' response is tailored to the young man's heart condition, revealing His insight into what truly hindered the man's spiritual journey.

5. The Pharisees and the Adulterous Woman: In John 8, when the Pharisees bring a woman caught in adultery to Jesus, seeking to trap Him, He responds with wisdom that exposes their own sinfulness: "Let him who is without sin among you be the first to cast a stone at her." (John 8:7). His response not only reveals their hypocrisy but also demonstrates His understanding of their hearts.

Theological Implications

The ability of Christ to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart is a testament to His divine nature. In the Old Testament, this attribute is reserved for God alone, as seen in passages like Jeremiah 17:10: "I, the LORD, search the heart; I test the mind." Jesus' exercise of this divine prerogative in the New Testament serves as a powerful affirmation of His identity as God incarnate.

Furthermore, this divine attribute of Christ underscores His role as the ultimate judge and redeemer. His knowledge of the human heart enables Him to judge righteously and offer grace and forgiveness to those who repent. As the writer of Hebrews states, "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight; everything is uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account." (Hebrews 4:13). Jesus, as God, possesses this same penetrating insight, making Him the perfect mediator between God and humanity.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 8:39
Then hear you in heaven your dwelling place, and forgive, and do, and give to every man according to his ways, whose heart you know; (for you, even you only, know the hearts of all the children of men;)
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Luke 5:22
But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answering said to them, What reason you in your hearts?
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Ezekiel 11:5
And the Spirit of the LORD fell on me, and said to me, Speak; Thus said the LORD; Thus have you said, O house of Israel: for I know the things that come into your mind, every one of them.
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John 2:24,25
But Jesus did not commit himself to them, because he knew all men,
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Revelation 2:23
And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searches the reins and hearts: and I will give to every one of you according to your works.
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Library

How we Shall Make Use of Christ as the Truth, that we May Win to ...
... understand what is written therein; he must give the discerning eye, and ... read what
we read of this glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ, this glorious ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter xviii how we shall.htm

The God of the Old Testament is the God of the New
... piercing asunder the very joints and marrow, discerning the most ... This is the everlasting
law of God's universe; and ... and find that the Lord Jesus Christ is not ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon xi the god of.htm

On Living Without God
... he receives other spiritual senses, capable of discerning spiritual good ... of all flesh;"
who is the God of the ... those that name the name of Christ: " all those ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 125 on living without.htm

Discerning Prayer.
... DISCERNING PRAYER. ... to secure their confidence and love, for "this is life eternal,
that they might know Thee, the only true God and Jesus Christ, whom Thou ...
//christianbookshelf.org/various/the wonders of prayer/discerning prayer.htm

The New Man
... It may be real"God forbid that we should step ... place and assume His office of discerning
the thoughts ... more loving, more strong"more like Christ"is wofully ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/the new man.htm

Concerning the Condition of Man in the Fall.
... the righteous law of God, it takes away the necessity of Christ's coming; or ... and
not the rational, that is excluded here from discerning the things of God. ...
/.../proposition iv concerning the condition.htm

Christ's Prophetic Office
... with clouds; he prays, as Augustine, that God would deliver ... the golden image; but
he that Christ has anointed ... eye-salve has a spirit of discerning; he looks ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/3 christs prophetic office.htm

God.
... height;" but he that has no skill as to discerning them, is ... that they might always
be in affliction, if God would but ... They were preserved in Christ, and called ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/i god.htm

Communion with Christ and his People.
... and drunk condemnation to yourselves, not discerning the Lord's ... He power to become
the sons of God, even to ... many there are who have received Christ, who talk ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/till he come/communion with christ and his.htm

How to Know the Will of God
... then stand still and wait till the wonderful discerning faculty of ... it is easier far
to be doing God's will than ... is easier far to be working for Christ than it ...
//christianbookshelf.org/drummond/the ideal life/how to know the will.htm