Why Did Jesus Not Know the Day of His Return?

 

Why Did Jesus Not Know the Day of His Return?

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.”
John 5:19: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by Himself; He can do only what He sees His Father doing.”

 

Item	Why Did Jesus Not Know the Day of His Return?
Meaning	In Mark 13:32 and Matthew 24:36, Jesus said: “the Son does not know, but only the Father knows.” This does not mean He lacked divinity; rather, during His incarnation, He willingly placed the knowledge of that day into the Father’s hand, revealing His humility and obedience, and reminding believers to stay watchful.
Reason	① Two Natures: Christ is fully God and fully man. As the Son of Man, He voluntarily accepted human limitations in knowledge (Luke 2:52). ② Order within the Trinity: The Father is the source; the Son willingly submits (John 5:19, 30). ③ Purpose of Revelation: God intentionally hid the date so believers would focus on vigilance and faithfulness rather than speculation (Matt 24:42-44).
Divinity  vs. Humanity	Divine Aspect (Son of God): - John 1:1: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” - Philippians 2:6: “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage.” - Colossians 2:3: “In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” - John 10:30: “I and the Father are one.” Human Aspect (Son of Man): - Philippians 2:7: “But made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.” - Luke 2:52: “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.”
Examples	1. Matthew 4:2: “After fasting forty days and forty nights, He was hungry.” 2. John 4:6: “Jesus, tired as He was from the journey, sat down by the well.” 3. Acts 1:6-7: “So when they had gathered, they asked Him, ‘Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?’ He said to them, ‘It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by His own authority.’” 4. John 8:28: “I do nothing on My own but speak just what the Father has taught Me.”
Application	1. Matthew 24:44: “So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him.” 2. Acts 1:8: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 3. Philippians 2:5-8: “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God… humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!”
Core Point	Jesus’ “not knowing” highlights the mystery of the union of His two natures. In His divinity, He knows all; in His humanity, He submitted to the Father’s authority.
Conclusion	Jesus’ words teach us not to chase after dates, but to remain faithful, humble, and ready for His return.

 

 Summary: 

Jesus's "not knowing" the date of his return was not due to ignorance, but rather to his willingness to surrender himself in the incarnation, completely submitting to the Father and allowing the Father to rule. This not only demonstrates his humility, but also teaches us: Don't be curious about the date, but be ever vigilant and faithful in waiting.