Why Didn't Jesus Know God's Name if He Was the Son of God?

The question of whether Jesus knew God's name is a common one, yet it reflects a misunderstanding of both the nature of the relationship between God and His Son, and the historical context within which Jesus operated.

Was Jesus Incapable of Knowing God's Name?

It is often assumed by those unfamiliar with the biblical context that Jesus, as the Son of God, should have known God’s name. However, such an assumption overlooks the fact that Jesus’ identity and role were multifaceted. Consider the context: when Jesus, during his arrest, exclaimed “I AM,” causing the arresting party to fall down, this was a declaration of His divine identity. This statement, similar to Moses' use of the words “I AM that I AM” (Exodus 3:14), demonstrates a profound reliance on and reconciliation with God’s name.

It is important to recognize that during the time of Jesus, the name of God was often equated with "Jehovah," a title used to refer to the God of the Old Testament. The New Testament reveals that Jesus was well aware of God’s name and the significance it held. In several instances, we see Jesus directly referencing God as "Father," highlighting a distinct relationship between the Son and the Father, rather than seeing Jesus as a separate entity not privy to such intimate knowledge.

Jesus' Relationship with God: "Father" or "Name"?

A closer examination of the New Testament illustrates Jesus' deep and intimate relationship with God, most often as “Father” rather than by a name. In the Epistles, the relationship of Jesus as the “Head” of God’s New Creation and the “Bridegroom” of His Church is documented. By calling God “our Father,” Jesus was setting an example for the new covenant believers, emphasizing a personal and familial relationship with God.

The consequences of this relationship manifest in the New Testament. Jesus understood His own title “Immanuel,” which translates to “God with us,” incorporating both the Father (Immanuel) and the Son (Jesus Christ) into a single identity. This title not only honored the Father’s belief in the Son’s accountability but also served as a powerful statement of the incarnation and presence of God among His people.

The Man of Holiness: A Reference to Humanity's Origin

Further, there is a textual reference in the Bible that provides a deeper understanding of why the name "Man" is significant: "In the language of Adam, 'Man of Holiness' is his name, and the name of his Only Begotten is the 'Son of Man,' even Jesus Christ, a righteous Judge who shall come in the meridian of time" (Moses 6:57).

This reference underscores the broader theological significance of the term "Man" within the Christian faith. The concept of "Man" as a title refers to the fact that Jesus is the representative of humanity, embodying the human experience. His title "Son of Man" positions Him not only as God but also as a human being, a member of the human family. Thus, when Jesus calls God "Father,” He reflects the familial and intimate relationship within the Godhead, emphasizing His role as the mediator and the embodiment of the human condition.

Repeating the Father's Name: A Key to Understanding Christ’s Teachings

There are numerous instances in the New Testament where Christ explicitly declares God’s name to others. For instance:

John 5:43: "I am come in my Father’s name and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name him ye will receive.”

John 17:6: "I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were and thou gavest them me and they have kept thy word."

John 17:26: "And I have declared unto them thy name and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them and I in them."

Hebrews 2:12: "Saying I will declare thy name unto my brethren in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee."

Ephesians 3:14-15: "For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named. And the name of the human family is Man or Mankind."

These verses consolidate the point that Jesus teaches about God’s name, not as an act of ignorance, but as a deliberate and significant revelation to His followers. By declaring God’s name, Jesus connects His teachings and His identity with the foundational beliefs of the Christian faith.

Conclusion

The reference to God’s name in Christianity is a complex yet crucial concept, essential to understanding the relationship between Jesus and God. By exploring the titles as well as Jesus’ teachings, we see that His familiarity with God’s name is not a point of confusion but a testament to the deep and intimate nature of their relationship. The signification is further supported by the widespread recognition of the title "Son of Man," which encapsulates the duality of Jesus' nature – divine and human, Son of God and Son of Humanity.

Understanding this dynamic is not only vital for Christians but also relevant for anyone seeking to navigate the rich tapestry of biblical teachings and the faith journey of Jesus.