We received a letter the other day asking a really good question about Jesus and the way he looked at life. From time to time I talk about the “assumptions” we hold about life, and God, and wonder if ours are the same assumptions Jesus was operating by. Sadly, the word created problems.

In her letter, a woman told us that, “This statement (‘Jesus' assumptions’) totally tripped up a Christian woman who was going to do the Walking with God study with me. She said that because Jesus is God he wouldn't hold any assumptions. I don't know how to respond to her.”

Here is my response:

Well, with regard to her predicament, it really is probably solved by word choices. Your friend doesn’t like "assumptions." I'll bet that's because the word sounds to her like "uncertainties" or "guesses at life's big questions." By assumptions I don't mean guesses. I mean "convictions we hold," or, "our core convictions about life" or, "the core truths we operate by." In this regard, of course Jesus had convictions. His were the deepest of all. I wonder if your friend simply substituted the word "convictions" or, "core truths" for assumptions if the issue would be resolved. Because, I'm betting that by saying Jesus held assumptions, she heard me saying Jesus wasn't sure about things, was just taking his best guess at the truth. I do not believe that.

Jesus called himself the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6). He calls the Holy Spirit the Spirit of truth (John 14:17). He told us that only when we really know and hold to the truth would we be his disciples, and be set free (John 8:32). Jesus' life is deeply anchored in the truth. I think it would help her to know that. 

Yes, Jesus holds assumptions. By that I mean Jesus assumes that truth exists, truth is knowable, and truth is essential. He’s not taking guesses at things.