It happened a gazillion times before. As she sat in her highchair eating 'like a big girl' with her own utensils, at least half the food ended up on the tray or on the floor. It wasn't magic or psychic ability, just a knowing from past experience that MY little girl couldn't eat without a mess to clean up.
He hung upside down on the middle 'monkey' bar in our backyard. With mischief in his eyes he looked over at me, and at that instant, I knew he would purposely fall down on the ground. Sure enough, he hit the ground- right on the back of his neck. I was not impressed but didn't make a big deal out of it or I knew he would do it again. Over the years I always knew MY son would engage in risky 'extreme' sports, so early on I accepted that injuries may be a part of that.
Sometimes knowing the future can prepare us for what is to come. Other times we can become emotional at what will happen. Personally, if I knew what was about to happen, if I didn't like it, I would certainly try to change it- and I'm not quite sure if I would ask the Lord first!
But there in the Garden, Jesus knew. "Then Judas, having received a band and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came there with lanterns and torches and weapons. Then Jesus, knowing all things that were coming upon Him, went out and said to them, Whom do you seek?" (Jh. 18:3,4) Jesus knew all the things about to happen: the accusations, the lies, the beatings, hair pulling, whipping, mocking, disgrace, the crucifixion, all of it.
He didn't run. He didn't hide. He didn't try to lie his way out of it. He didn't even defend himself (Mt. 26:63). He could have called angels down to help Him (Mt. 26:53), but He didn't. He could have asked his friends to defend Him, but He didn't. He knew every terrible thing that would happen to Him, but did nothing to change it or stop it. Why?
Because He loves us dearly and He also knew it was the only way for our salvation (Eph. 1:7; 1Pt. 1:18,19). "...who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame..." (Heb. 12:2)
We are the joy set before Him. Jesus knew all the horrible things yet went through them all for us. "No one has greater love than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." (Jh. 15:13) We can never in these mortal bodies ever comprehend, "...what is the breadth and length and depth and height, and to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge..." (Eph. 3:18,19) Our God, the Lord Jesus Christ, knew what needed to be done and allowed it to happen that we might be reconciled to Him (2Cor. 5:18).
Oh what a loving God we serve!