Deity of Christ
If Jesus is God, how could He not know the day or hour of His return?
Quick answer
Christ's lack of knowledge regarding the day or hour is consistent with His role as a servant during His earthly ministry. By taking on human nature, He voluntarily limited His divine knowledge to fulfill His mission as the Messiah.
Full argument
The Gospel accounts reveal that Jesus, while fully divine, also took on a human nature and the status of a servant. This is evident in passages such as Matthew 12:15-21, where He is referred to as 'My Servant' chosen by God. Furthermore, Jesus Himself stated in Mark 10:45 that He came 'not to be served, but to serve.' This servant role included a voluntary limitation of His divine attributes, including omniscience, to fulfill His mission. Therefore, when Jesus states that 'no one knows' the day or hour of His return except the Father, it reflects His role as a servant rather than a denial of His divinity. Additionally, the context of His teachings emphasizes His submission to the Father's will, which aligns with His purpose on earth. Thus, His ignorance of the specific timing does not undermine His divine nature but rather highlights the mystery of the Incarnation.
Key verses
Matthew 24:36bible
But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.
Mark 10:45bible
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.
John 13:16bible
Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him.
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