Entrusting Your Life Series

Jesus reaction to spectator faith is given in verse 24. But Jesus, on His part, was not entrusting Himself to them, for He knew all men,

[John provides a telling word play in 2:24. The same Greek word translated "believe" in verse 23 appears in verse 24:] Even though some of these people believed in Him … Jesus would not believe in them. The reason given is not that He knew all of them, not just those in the temple, but He was cognizant of all people. Jesus was looking for genuine discipleship not enthusiasm for the spectacular (6:15).

John is making a statement here about Jesus and humanity in general. Jesus understood about all of humanity and its capacity for deception and duplicity. No one needed to explain it to Him (2:24a). In 1:48 Nathanael is surprised that Jesus knew him without having met him. This section ends on the same note, but now John is making a sweeping theological affirmation about Jesus and divine knowledge. God alone knows the hearts of men and women — and now Jesus has this same capacity.

Verse 25 concludes our text. ... and because He did not need anyone to testify concerning man, for He Himself knew what was in man.

Jesus knew that a temporary excitement or a faith based on signs was not sufficient. Many of the early followers later turned back when He did not take up the role of a political king (6:15, 60, 66). Until His death and resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit, the foundation for faith was not fully laid.

The Son of God in human flesh knew all about human nature. Having supernatural knowledge, Jesus does not need human help to evaluate men. As God, He sees beyond the superficial to people’s hearts (1 Sam. 16:; Ps. 139; Acts 1:24).

Jesus was well aware of the truth of Jer. 17:9 which states, "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" Jesus knew the faith of some followers was superficial. Some of the same people claiming to believe in Jesus at this time would later yell, "Crucify Him! Crucify Him!" It is easy to believe when it is exciting and there is no cost in believing.

CONCLUSION

What does this passage say to us today, then? Be discerning and keep your faith firm even when it isn’t popular to follow Jesus. Jesus was not dependent on man’s approval. The master went God’s way unswayed by popular opinion which can be with you today and against you tomorrow.

The ministry of Jesus was a voluntary process toward a predetermined goal. The new temple is the crucified and risen Son of God who desires to live within each person who will acknowledge His claim as Lord of Life.

If the prediction "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up" is true, and being uttered was fulfilled — what then? I do not need to answer the question. My brother, His resurrection declares that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. ‘Destroy this Temple’ — there is a challenge — ‘and in three days I will raise it up’; and He did it.

He is the Lord of the Temple as well as the Temple or place of worship. Worship Him. Bow down on your knees before Him, and with all your hearts and with all your confidence, worship, and trust, and love both now and forevermore, for He is the Lord of Heaven and earth!’