The question of why Jesus,

if He is God, did not know the time of His return involves understanding the nature of the Incarnation,

the limitations Jesus took on as a human, and the relationship within the Trinity. The key scripture addressing this issue is found in Matthew 24:36 and Mark 13:32.

### Key Scripture
**Matthew 24:36 (NIV):** “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”
**Mark 13:32 (NIV):** “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”

### The Doctrine of the Incarnation and the Hypostatic Union

1. **Hypostatic Union:**
– As established, the Hypostatic Union is the doctrine that Jesus is both fully God and fully man. These two natures are united in one Person without confusion, change, division, or separation.
– Jesus’ divine nature possesses all the attributes of deity, including omniscience (all-knowing). However, His human nature possesses the attributes of humanity, including limited knowledge.

2. **Kenosis:**
– **Philippians 2:6-7 (NIV):** “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.”
– The Greek term “kenosis” (ἐκένωσεν) refers to Jesus “emptying” Himself. This does not mean that He ceased to be God or divested Himself of divine attributes, but that He voluntarily refrained from using certain divine attributes independently.
– In His incarnation, Jesus accepted human limitations, including limited knowledge, to fully experience human life and fulfill His mission as the Messiah.

### Understanding Jesus’ Limited Knowledge

1. **Voluntary Limitation:**
– Jesus, in His human nature, voluntarily limited His divine knowledge to fully participate in the human experience. This limitation was part of His humility and obedience to the Father’s will.
– **Luke 2:52 (NIV):** “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” This verse indicates that Jesus experienced growth and learning like any other human being.

2. **Role within the Trinity:**
– The distinction between the knowledge of the Son and the Father reflects the economic roles within the Trinity. While the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are co-equal and co-eternal, they have different roles in the plan of salvation.
– **John 14:28 (NIV):** “You heard me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.” This statement reflects Jesus’ submission to the Father’s authority and the functional differences within the Trinity during His earthly ministry.

### Theological Implications

1. **Jesus’ Humanity:**
– Jesus’ statement about not knowing the time of His return underscores the reality of His humanity. It shows that He fully entered into the human condition, including the limitations of human knowledge.
– This authenticates His experience and suffering as a true human, making Him a perfect representative and High Priest for humanity.

2. **Dependence on the Father:**
– Jesus’ earthly ministry was marked by dependence on and submission to the Father. By stating that only the Father knows the time of His return, Jesus demonstrated His reliance on the Father’s will.
– **John 5:19 (NIV):** “Jesus gave them this answer: ‘Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.'”

3. **Mystery of the Trinity:**
– The interaction between Jesus and the Father on this matter highlights the mystery of the Trinity. It shows the distinct personhood and roles within the Godhead while maintaining their unity in essence.
– **John 10:30 (NIV):** “I and the Father are one.” This emphasizes their unity, despite the distinct roles and knowledge during Jesus’ earthly ministry.

### Summary and Conclusion

The question of why Jesus, if He is God, did not know the time of His return is deeply rooted in the doctrines of the Incarnation and the Trinity. Jesus, in His incarnation, voluntarily accepted the limitations of human knowledge as part of His humility and obedience. This does not negate His divinity but rather shows the depth of His commitment to fully experience human life and fulfill His redemptive mission.

The economic roles within the Trinity also explain the distinction in knowledge between the Father and the Son. This mystery underscores the complexity and depth of the Christian understanding of God, calling for reverence and faith in the revealed truths of Scripture. The doctrine of the Hypostatic Union and the concept of kenosis help Christians grasp the profound nature of Jesus’ earthly ministry and His relationship with the Father.