Did Jesus Know the Day or the Hour? Understanding Mark 13:32
Introduction
Good morning. Today, we’re going to tackle a passage that has puzzled many: Mark 13:32, where Jesus says, "But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." This verse raises a significant question: Did Jesus know the day or the hour of His return, or was He somehow limited in His knowledge? Let us delve into this verse to explore what it reveals about Jesus’ divinity, His humanity, and the mystery of God’s sovereign plan.
Scripture Reference: Mark 13:32
"But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father."
The Humanity and Divinity of Jesus
1. Jesus’ Humanity and Voluntary Limitation
- In His incarnation, Jesus was fully God and fully man. However, during His earthly ministry, He voluntarily took on the limitations of humanity. This means that while Jesus was still divine, He chose to experience the limitations of human knowledge, hunger, fatigue, and even mortality. His statement in Mark 13:32 reflects this voluntary limitation of knowledge.
- Scripture Reference: "Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage; rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant." (Philippians 2:6-7)
2. The Mystery of the Incarnation
- The mystery of the incarnation is that Jesus, while fully God, humbled Himself to live as a human being. In this humbling, He submitted to the Father’s will in all things, including the knowledge of His return. While Jesus, as God, was omniscient, He voluntarily chose to limit certain aspects of His knowledge as part of His role as the Son. This does not diminish His divinity but emphasizes His perfect obedience and humility.
- Scripture Reference: "For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form." (Colossians 2:9)
The Father’s Sovereignty Over the Day and Hour
1. God’s Sovereignty Over Time and History
- Mark 13:32 emphasizes that the timing of Christ’s return is fully under the sovereignty of the Father. While we may desire to know the exact time of Jesus’ return, God has chosen to keep this information within His own knowledge. This is a reminder that God’s plan unfolds according to His perfect timing and wisdom, and it is not for us to dictate or predict.
- Scripture Reference: "He has set a day when He will judge the world with justice by the man He has appointed." (Acts 17:31)
2. Jesus’ Submission to the Father’s Will
- Jesus’ declaration that "only the Father knows" also points to His complete submission to the Father’s will. Throughout His ministry, Jesus demonstrated perfect obedience and submission to the Father, even to the point of death on the cross. His willingness to submit even the knowledge of His return to the Father’s authority shows us the depth of His humility and trust in God’s sovereign plan.
- Scripture Reference: "I do nothing on My own but speak just what the Father has taught Me." (John 8:28)
What This Means for Us
1. Living in Readiness
- The key takeaway from Mark 13:32 is not to focus on when Jesus will return, but to live in constant readiness. Jesus’ return could happen at any moment, and we are called to live faithfully, watching and waiting for His coming. The fact that we do not know the day or hour is an invitation to live with urgency and purpose, knowing that our time on earth is limited.
- Scripture Reference: "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come." (Matthew 24:42)
2. Trusting in God’s Perfect Timing
- We may not know the exact time of Christ’s return, but we can trust in God’s perfect timing. His plan is unfolding according to His divine wisdom, and we can have confidence that He will return when the time is right. In the meantime, we are called to trust in His sovereignty and live faithfully as we await the fulfillment of His promises.
- Scripture Reference: "The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9)
Application for Our Lives
1. Living in Obedience and Faithfulness
- Just as Jesus submitted to the Father’s will and trusted in His timing, we too are called to live in obedience and faithfulness. Our task is not to predict the future, but to faithfully follow Christ in our daily lives, knowing that His return is certain, even if we do not know when it will happen.
2. Avoiding Speculation
- Many have tried to predict the exact time of Christ’s return, but Mark 13:32 reminds us that such speculation is futile. Instead of focusing on what we do not know, we should focus on what we do know: Jesus is coming again, and we must be ready. Let us avoid the temptation to speculate and instead live each day with purpose, making the most of the time we have been given.
- Scripture Reference: "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15-16)
Conclusion
Mark 13:32 reminds us of the mystery of the incarnation and the perfect humility of Jesus, who voluntarily limited His knowledge in submission to the Father’s will. It also teaches us the importance of living in readiness for Christ’s return, trusting in God’s perfect timing. Let us follow Jesus’ example of humility and faithfulness, and live each day with a sense of urgency and purpose.
Let us pray: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the example of Jesus, who submitted fully to Your will. Help us to live in readiness for His return, trusting in Your perfect timing. May we live each day with faithfulness and purpose, knowing that You are sovereign over all things. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
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