It’s often a good question to ask about any portion of Scripture: What would we lose in our understanding if we didn’t have X or Y in the Bible? It’s a good exercise that for me has yielded countless insights in my personal Bible study and teaching.

D. Blair Smith, a professor of systematic theology at Reformed Theological Seminary (Charlotte), poses this question about two chapters—specifically two verses—in the Gospels: Matthew 24:36 and Mark 13:32. In these accounts, we read that Jesus gives a startling admission. He didn’t know about “that day and hour” of the end of times and the coming Son of Man.

Smith, an expert guide, walks us through this complex terrain, explaining the church’s historical understanding and then calling us to press into this mystery of the God-Man we follow and worship. This isn’t vain theological musing. It’s rich biblical exploration that gets at the core of our faith. Read, learn, and be nourished.