All Knowledge and No "Puff"

Jesus had just finished saying to the twelve that after Hisresurrection they should no longer ask Him anything. They should ask the Fatherin Jesus’ name, because the Father Himself loved them.

“Now we can see that you know all things and that you do noteven need to have anyone ask you questions. This makes us believe that you camefrom God” (John 16:30).

Normally, we would come to two conclusions concerning John16:30. Either a person who knew all things would not need to ask anyone anyquestions, or a person who knew all things would want others to ask himquestions in order to display his knowledge.

Because Jesus spoke clearly and without figures of speech,the twelve first could see that He knew all things, and second that He did notneed to have anyone ask Him questions. These two conclusions made them believethat he came from God.

"Knowing all things" would make any person believethat Jesus came from God. However, that was not convincing enough for thetwelve. They also knew Jesus was not interested in displaying His knowledge. Hehad no need for someone to ask Him questions so He could answer them and gainpraise from men. On the contrary, He was humble and secure, though knowing allthings. According to 1 Corinthians 8:1, "knowledge puffs up." Moreknowledge = more puff; all knowledge = all puff. However, in Jesus' case, itwas all knowledge and no puff. He had no need that anyone ask Him questions,therefore they believed he came from God.

 

Written November 1991.

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