The omniscience of Christ refers to the attribute of Jesus Christ as possessing complete and infinite knowledge. This characteristic is traditionally ascribed to God, and its presence in Christ is a testament to His divine nature. Throughout the New Testament, various passages illustrate Christ's omniscience, affirming His deity and His role in the divine plan of salvation.

Biblical Evidence

1. Foreknowledge and Prophecy: Jesus demonstrated His omniscience through His ability to predict future events with precision. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus foretells His own death and resurrection: "From that time on Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and that He must be killed and on the third day be raised to life" (Matthew 16:21). This foreknowledge extends to the details of His betrayal, as seen in John 13:21, where Jesus predicts Judas Iscariot's betrayal: "After He had said this, Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, 'Truly, truly, I tell you, one of you will betray Me.'"

2. Knowledge of Human Hearts: Christ's omniscience is also evident in His understanding of human thoughts and intentions. In John 2:24-25, it is written, "But Jesus did not entrust Himself to them, for He knew all men. He did not need any testimony about man, for He knew what was in a man." This passage highlights Jesus' ability to perceive the innermost thoughts and motivations of individuals, a knowledge that only God possesses.

3. Comprehensive Understanding: Jesus' knowledge is not limited to specific events or individuals but encompasses all things. In John 21:17, Peter acknowledges this attribute when he says, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You." This confession by Peter underscores the belief that Christ's knowledge is all-encompassing.

4. Divine Wisdom and Teaching: The teachings of Jesus reflect a profound wisdom that surpasses human understanding. In Matthew 22:46, after Jesus answers the Pharisees' questions with divine insight, it is noted, "No one was able to answer Him a word, and from that day on no one dared to question Him any further." His teachings reveal a depth of knowledge that points to His divine nature.

5. Authority over Creation: Jesus' omniscience is also linked to His authority over creation. In Mark 4:39-41, Jesus calms the storm, demonstrating His command over nature. The disciples' reaction, "Who is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?" (Mark 4:41), reflects their growing awareness of His divine attributes, including His omniscience.

Theological Implications

The omniscience of Christ is a cornerstone of Christological doctrine, affirming His divinity and unity with the Father. It assures believers of His perfect understanding of their lives and His sovereign control over history. This attribute provides comfort and confidence to Christians, knowing that their Savior is fully aware of their circumstances and needs. The omniscience of Christ also underscores the mystery of the Incarnation, where the divine and human natures coexist in the person of Jesus, fully God and fully man.