NO-KNOW

no-know “We do not know.” —Matthew 21:27 Balaam called himself the man who “knows what the Most High knows” (Nm 24:4, 16). He was so highly regarded for his ability as a fortune-teller that nations sent large delegations of dignitaries with large amounts of money to obtain his services (Nm 22:6-7, 15). Yet this man who “sees what the Almighty sees” (Nm 24:16) couldn’t even get the picture when his donkey began to talk to him! (Nm 22:28ff) He had to admit that he “did not know that” God opposed His greedy plot against Israel (Nm 22:34). The Jewish religious leaders were also confident in their expert knowledge of God’s plan. They “knew” that Jesus was a sinner (see Jn 9:24). They also “knew” His background (see Jn 7:27; 6:42). Yet when Jesus asked them a direct question which had only two possible answers, they had to admit, “We do not know” (Mt 21:27). They knew the results of each answer to Jesus’ question. However, they didn’t know Jesus, the Answer.