“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”
– Matthew 24:36 (NIV)
Jesus speaks of His second coming and final judgment, emphasizing the mystery surrounding its timing. This verse highlights a truth central to the Christian faith: God’s ways are beyond our understanding. The timing of this pivotal event is known only to the Father, revealing His supreme authority, infinite wisdom, and the mystery of His divine plan.
Jesus, during His earthly ministry, didn’t know the timing of His return. This was an act of humility and obedience to the Father, reminding us of the mystery of God and the Trinity.
Faith thrives in the unknown, calling us to trust God’s infinite wisdom. Deuteronomy 29:29 reminds us, “The secret things belong to the Lord.” Jesus’ words teach us to live faithfully and depend on God, not on what we can understand. His timing is perfect, even when we can’t see it.
“Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. Truly, I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” – Matthew 24:32-35
This passage invites us to recognize the signs of God’s Kingdom, even while the exact timing remains hidden.
The Doctrine of God’s Incomprehensibility
The incomprehensibility of God is a cornerstone of Christian theology, affirming that God is infinite, transcendent, and beyond complete human understanding. Isaiah 40:28 declares, “His understanding no one can fathom.” While we can know God truly through His revelation, we cannot know Him exhaustively.
Augustine beautifully summarizes this doctrine: “If you comprehend it, it is not God.” Similarly, Aquinas explains in Summa Theologica that “God is infinitely knowable but never fully comprehended by finite minds.” This incomprehensibility calls us to humility, reminding us that faith often requires trusting in what we cannot fully grasp.
Key Words Explained
- That Day or Hour:
Refers to the culmination of history and Christ’s return. Isaiah 55:8-9 reflects the mystery of God’s plans: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways.” - No One Knows:
Not even the angels or Jesus knew the time during His earthly ministry. This truth humbles us, as Deuteronomy 29:29 reminds us, “The secret things belong to the Lord our God.” - Only the Father:
The Father’s exclusive knowledge reveals the mystery’s depth within the Trinity. It reminds us of our dependency on God and His sovereign control over all things.
Theological Insight
The incomprehensibility of God should not lead to frustration but to worship. It reminds us that God is greater than our minds can conceive, drawing us into awe and trust. As finite beings, we are invited to rest in the infinite wisdom and love of the One who holds all things in His hands.
Concluding Quote:
“To know God is to enter a mystery—endless in depth, but full of love.” – Aquinas
Word Count: 452
Reading Time: 3 minutes