Topical Bible: Man: Christ: Knew What Was In

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In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is depicted as possessing profound insight into the hearts and minds of individuals. This divine attribute is highlighted in several passages, demonstrating His unique ability to discern the inner thoughts and intentions of people. This characteristic underscores His divine nature and His role as the omniscient Son of God.

One of the key passages illustrating this attribute is found in the Gospel of John. In John 2:24-25 , it is written: "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." This passage reveals that Jesus had an intrinsic understanding of human nature and the ability to perceive the true character and motives of individuals without relying on external testimony.

Throughout the Gospels, there are numerous instances where Jesus demonstrates this knowledge. In the account of the calling of Nathanael, Jesus reveals His insight into Nathanael's character before they even meet. In John 1:47-48 , Jesus says, "Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is no deceit." Nathanael is astonished and asks how Jesus knows him, to which Jesus replies, "I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you." This encounter illustrates Jesus' supernatural awareness and His ability to see beyond the physical realm.

Another significant example is found in the account of the Samaritan woman at the well. In John 4:16-19 , Jesus tells her, "Go, call your husband and come back." The woman replies that she has no husband, and Jesus responds, "You are right when you say you have no husband. In fact, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband." The woman is amazed by Jesus' knowledge of her life, recognizing Him as a prophet. This interaction not only reveals Jesus' insight but also His compassionate approach to revealing truth and offering redemption.

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus perceives the thoughts of the scribes questioning His authority to forgive sins. In Mark 2:8 , it states, "Immediately Jesus knew in His spirit that they were thinking this way within themselves. 'Why are you thinking these things in your hearts?' He asked." This passage highlights Jesus' ability to discern the hidden thoughts of others, further affirming His divine authority.

The ability of Christ to know what is in man is a testament to His divine nature and His role as the ultimate judge and redeemer. His insight into human hearts serves as a reminder of His omniscience and His intimate understanding of each individual's spiritual condition. This attribute of Christ is central to His ministry, as it enables Him to address the true needs of those He encounters, offering both conviction and grace.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 2:25
And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Man Christ Jesus
... What said the man who loved him best, and knew him best? ... and things that are under
the earth, for Jesus Christ is Lord to ... "Consider how great this man is," and ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 31 1885/the man christ jesus.htm

Christ --Perfect through Sufferings
... appearances"Protean as it is in its constantly varying shapes, Christ knew and
understood ... He knew man, and what was in man; yes, better than the most skilled ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/christperfect through sufferings.htm

A Pressed Man Yielding to Christ
... I have, believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed
unto him." This man, of whom I am speaking, knew that Christ had opened ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 46 1900/a pressed man yielding to.htm

Christ and Man in the Atonement
... But with Christ it is different ... He knew no sin, and He entered freely, deliberately,
and as the ... His calling, into all that sin meant for God and brought on man. ...
/.../denney/the atonement and the modern mind/chapter iii christ and man.htm

The Lord is My Shepherd, I Shall not Want.
... Because He was God, as well as man, Christ knew that, as a result of our sinful
state, we should have to pass our earthly sojourn forever beneath the shadow of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/callan/the shepherd of my soul/iii the lord is my.htm

Moody -- what Think Ye of Christ?
... Now let us hear from the beloved disciple John. He knew more about Christ than
any other man. He had laid his head on his Savior's bosom. ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 8/moody what think ye.htm

"Their Eyes were Opened, and they Knew Him. "
... Brother, sister, that is the secret that no man may tell ... Christ, the risen One, entered
into a new life. ... You know what we read: "They knew Him." He revealed ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/jesus himself/i their eyes were opened.htm

The Work of Christ.
... He knew the cunning plan Satan had conceived to ensnare ... blessed revelation is given:
"If any man sin we ... an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the work of christ/ii the work of christ.htm

God in Christ
... Let us make man in our image, after our likeness,' and man arose upright, and knew
that he ... as many as have eternal life, in the day when Christ the Lord ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon i god in christ.htm

His Gospel
... fashion of the earthly life of the man Christ Jesus, and ... ever refers to the incidents
of Christ's earthly life ... here and there he betrays that he knew them well. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/stalker/the life of st paul/chapter iv his gospel.htm