The AMG Concise Bible Dictionary, in defining the Godhead, says "This does not mean that events take God by surprise . . ." The 1913 Catholic Encyclopedia article on the same subject states, "Admitting that God knows from eternity the future free acts of creatures, the question is how or in what way He knows them . . ." Are these statements true? Is it impossible for the Eternal to be surprised by us?
The Garden of Eden
Our first example of God being surprised takes place in the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve, after eating the forbidden fruit, hide themselves when they hear footsteps. The Eternal calls out to Adam and asks where he is (Genesis 3:9). He responds that he hid because he was naked (verse 10). God then asks, "Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree . . ." (verse 11, HBFV throughout).
The questions God asks certainly shows a bit of surprise on his part! Rather than be aware of their every thought, he graciously respected Adam and Eve's mental privacy and choose not to spy on them. He wanted to have a relationship with them on a real time, face-to-face basis.
The Lord was at least a little surprised that Adam, whom he directly instructed (Genesis 2:16 - 17), so quickly and easily caved in to sin.
Amazed at Unbelief
One day Jesus, who was God in the flesh, traveled to his boyhood home of Nazareth and preached in the local synagogue (Mark 6:1 - 2). Those in attendance knew him, and his family who were still living in the city, quite well (verse 3). Sadly, even though those who attended services were amazed at his wisdom, and acknowledged his miracles, they rejected him and his message.
As Jesus was leaving Nazareth and reflecting on what happened He was "amazed by their unbelief" (Mark 6:6). The Lord was somewhat surprised that those who knew him the best could so easily dismiss him.
An Unexpected Surprise!
One of the greatest example of God being surprised was when Jesus visited Capernaum in the summer of 28 A.D. This visit took place within the second Roman calendar year of his ministry.
A Roman commander, who had a trusted servant near death, sent Jewish messengers to Jesus requesting he come to his house to heal him. Other messengers, as the Lord drew near the house, came and said the centurion now felt unworthy for him to enter his residence. They then relayed the rest of the commander's message that took the Lord by surprise!
"Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy that You should come under my roof; therefore, neither did I count myself worthy to come to You; but say the word, and my servant shall be healed.
"For I also am a man appointed under authority, having soldiers under myself, and I say to this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'Come,' and he comes; and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it." (Luke 7:6 - 8, see also Matthew 8:5 - 10).
The centurion's understanding of Jesus' authority and what he had the ability to do was profound. He fully believed that the Lord's power was such that all he had to do was command his servant be healed! This astonishing faith, which even Jesus' disciples at the time did not have, amazed and surprised the Lord!
And when He heard these things, Jesus was AMAZED (surprised) at him; and turning to the multitude following Him, He said, "I tell you, not even in Israel (including all those who followed him) have I found such great faith." (Luke 7:9).
Note that Jesus' surprise came from the fact that he was not aware of the depth of the centurion's faith until after it was conveyed to him. The Lord's response was to command the man be healed, which he was (Luke 7:10).
God Can Limit Himself
God has always reserved the right, at any time, to limit the use of any of his awesome powers. His decision to not be aware of every thought and action taken by Adam and Eve meant that he was legitimately a bit surprised at Adam's choice (Genesis 3:10 - 11).
Jesus, who could know every thought of a person, sometimes decided not to exercise this ability. This meant that what people chose to do, at times, was genuinely a surprise to him. It is certain that God the Father and Christ will continue to exercise their rights in this area for the foreseeable future.