Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick. When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby. John 11:1, 3-4

Jesus is omniscient! The word “omniscient” means having unlimited knowledge. In other words, Jesus is all-knowing. He knew that Lazarus would not die from his sickness, and that it would bring glory to God. Through the sickness of Lazarus, many of the Jews would believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.

When Jesus was in Bethabara, Mary and Martha sent news to Him that their brother was sick. They were hoping that Jesus would come quickly to heal Lazarus, but He did not come. Instead, He told those who were sent to Him and His disciples that Lazarus’ sickness would not end in death.

During the next two days, while Jesus was still at Bethabara, Lazarus died in Bethany. Did not Jesus say, “This sickness is not unto death”? How can He be omniscient if His words were not true? Lazarus’ death was necessary to prove Jesus’ omniscience. The truth of the matter was: Jesus was saying that Lazarus would live beyond his sickness though he died; He even knew that Lazarus had died when no one told Him about it (cf. John 11:11-14). Indeed, He is all-knowing!

When Jesus was about to reach Bethany, Martha received news of His coming, and went out of the house to meet Him. She told Him that her brother would not have died if He was there earlier. To this, Jesus replied, “Thy brother shall rise again” (John 11:23). But she could not comprehend it. Nonetheless, Jesus’ statement is another proof of His omniscience. He knew that Lazarus would live again; He had come to raise him from the dead.

Lazarus rose from the dead, and lived again because Jesus commanded him to come out of death (John 11:43-44). As he walked out of the tomb, many people who witnessed this event were astonished at Jesus’ power. By raising Lazarus from the dead, Jesus also confirmed that He is omniscient, and knows all things. The things which He had said concerning Lazarus’ sickness came exactly to pass.

No man is able to know all things except Jesus because He is God. It is important for Christians to realise that Jesus knows everything; nothing is hidden from Him. He knew of Mary and Martha’s desire for their sick brother. He also knows of your desires and needs. He knows what will happen in the future too. Remember, Jesus is omniscient!