Shouldn't Jesus Know the Future? | Brandon Crowe on Mark 13:32
Mar 26, 2025
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Brandon Crowe, a New Testament scholar at Westminster Theological Seminary, dives deep into the intriguing question of Jesus' knowledge of his return as stated in Mark 13:32. He discusses the complexities of Jesus' divine and human nature, emphasizing the theological implications of his supposed ignorance. The conversation also explores various interpretations, from historical viewpoints to contemporary perspectives, shedding light on important themes in Christology and salvation. Crowe’s insights challenge listeners to rethink their understanding of Christ's dual nature.
The discussion emphasizes the significance of understanding Jesus's dual nature, as His ignorance of the future reflects His true humanity rather than a deficiency in divinity.
Exploring different interpretations of Mark 13:32 reveals the complexities of Christological debates that are crucial for comprehending salvation and the gospel.
Deep dives
Understanding the Olivet Discourse
Mark 13, known as the Olivet Discourse, presents a pivotal moment in Jesus's ministry during Passion Week. This passage contains teachings about eschatology and raises questions regarding the destruction of Jerusalem and the end of the world. Various interpretations exist, including a dispensationalist view focusing entirely on future tribulations and a perspective that links these events to the historical destruction of the temple in AD 70. The complexities of this passage challenge readers to consider the context of Jesus's teachings and how they connect to a broader theological framework.
Jesus's Omniscience vs. Humanity
In Mark 13:32, Jesus states that neither He nor the angels know the hour of His return, leading to difficulties in understanding His divinity and omniscience. This discrepancy raises the question of how the divine Son of God could lack knowledge about something as significant as His own return. The discussion revolves around interpretations that consider the nature of Jesus as true God and true man, with His ignorance being attributed to His humanity rather than His divinity. Understanding this dynamic is crucial, as it affirms both His human limitations and His divine essence, reflecting the complexities of the incarnation.
Misinterpretations of the Passage
Various missteps exist in interpreting Mark 13:32, including Arianism, which suggests Jesus is less than divine due to His ignorance. Another contemporary view posits that Jesus somehow divested Himself of divine attributes during His incarnation, leading to misunderstandings of His nature. Moreover, some interpretations imply that Jesus was merely withholding information, which fails to address the fundamental assertion of His humanity in this context. Correct interpretations emphasize that Jesus, while fully divine, is also fully human, affirming His ignorance as a genuine aspect of His earthly experience.
The Importance of Christology and Readiness
The discussion surrounding Mark 13 highlights essential Christological debates that impact our understanding of salvation and the gospel. Recognizing Jesus as truly human is vital because it affirms His ability to stand in the place of humanity for redemption. The practical significance of this passage encourages believers to remain vigilant and prepared for Christ's return, as no one can predict the exact timing. Ultimately, this discourse serves as a reminder of the importance of sound theological interpretations that guide daily faith and practice.
In Mark 13:32 (and Matthew 24:36), Jesus states that He does not know the day or hour of His return—only the Father does. But how can that be? If Jesus is fully God, wouldn’t He be omniscient?
In this episode of What in the Word?, Kirk E. Miller is joined by Brandon Crowe to explore this challenging passage. They discuss different possible explanations—including bad ones!—and the importance of distinguishing Christ’s two natures. Nothing short of our salvation is at stake!
Explore more and get special offers from Logos: https://www.logos.com/grow/witw-did-jesus-know-the-future?utm_campaign=show-witw&utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=social
Disclaimer: Logos values thoughtful and engaging discussions on important biblical topics. However, the views and interpretations presented in this episode are those of the individuals speaking and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Logos. We recognize that Christians may hold different perspectives on this passage, and we welcome diverse engagement and respectful dialogue.
Outline:
00:00 Introduction to the Episode
00:19 Show Announcements and Listener Engagement
00:55 Meet Dr. Brandon Crow
02:48 Understanding the Context of Mark 13:32
05:22 Exploring Different Interpretations
08:46 Orthodox Explanations and Theological Insights
20:18 Practical Applications and Hermeneutical Principles
39:09 Conclusion and Additional Resources
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