All Knowledge and No “Puff”

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

“Now we can see that you know all things and that you do not
even need to have anyone ask you questions. This makes us believe that you came
from God” (John 16:30).

Normally, we would come to two conclusions concerning John
16:30. Either a person who knew all things would not need to ask anyone any
questions, or a person who knew all things would want others to ask him
questions 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 not
need to have anyone ask Him questions. These two conclusions made them believe
that he came from God.

“Knowing all things” would make any person believe
that Jesus came from God. However, that was not convincing enough for the
twelve. They also knew Jesus was not interested in displaying His knowledge. He
had no need for someone to ask Him questions so He could answer them and gain
praise from men. On the contrary, He was humble and secure, though knowing all
things. According to 1 Corinthians 8:1, “knowledge puffs up.” More
knowledge = more puff; all knowledge = all puff. However, in Jesus’ case, it
was 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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