John Series Part 12 Revelation 3: Jesus Knows All Men, Series

John Series Part 12

Revelation 3: Jesus Knows All Men,

John 2:23–25

Pastor Rodney A. Fry, MA, MDIV, MS, LPC 11/7/21

(2:23–25) Introduction: this is a brief passage packed full of powerful truths. Jesus revealed that He knew all men.

1. Fact 1: many believed in Jesus (v.23).

2. Fact 2: Jesus did not commit nor entrust Himself to men (vv.24–25).

1 (2:23) Belief—Profession, False: first, many believed in Jesus. There are two very significant facts here.

a. Many believed in His name. The word believe (episteusan) is in the Greek aorist tense, which means they believed once-for-all. Their belief was genuine, at least the belief of some. However, the belief of others was not genuine. The fact that Jesus knew “all men” (all of those professing belief) and did not commit Himself to them shows the inadequacy of their faith (v.24).

b. They believed because of the miracles (semeia).

DEEPER STUDY

(2:23) Signs—Miracles—Power—Works—Sensationalism: there are four words used in the Bible for miracles or signs. These words are used to describe the works of God, and they show why people believed in Jesus.

1. Teras means the spectacular, staggering, amazing, dazzling. Many believed in Jesus because of the spectacular signs He performed. However, such belief made a person only a spectator, not a participant in His life. The word teras also means the sensational; that is, it appeals to the sensations of men. Many believed and followed Jesus because it made them feel good and comfortable and secure. Such belief is weak and often fails. This word is never used by itself to initiate faith in the Lord Jesus. If a person is to have genuine faith in the Lord Jesus, he must have some basis other than the spectacular sign (teras).

“And some [seed] fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture.… They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away” (Lu. 8:6, 13. See note, pt.2—Lu. 8:11–15 for discussion of this person.)

“And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God” (Lu. 9:62).

“Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him” (He. 10:38).

2. Dunamis means power—unusual, extraordinary power; effective, explosive power. There were those who were attracted to Jesus because of the unusual power (dunamis) they witnessed. They believed because of the power. Such is a legitimate belief and leads to salvation for everyone who believes.

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Ro. 1:16).

“But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God” (1 Co. 1:24).

“And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching” (Mk. 6:5–6).

3. Ergon means distinctive works, deeds, and miracles. Such works come from God (Jn. 14:10) and bear witness to Christ. They point men to Christ (Jn. 5:36; 10:25). Some men look at the very special works of Christ and believe because of the works (ergon).

“If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him” (Jn. 10:37–38).

“Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake” (Jn. 14:11).

4. Semeion means a sign that characterizes the person, his nature and character. A few throughout Jesus’ ministry did believe because they saw in the miracles exactly who He was, the very Son of God.

“This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him” (Jn. 2:11).

“And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: but these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name” (Jn. 20:30–31).

However, the word semeion is also used of those who believed the signs but did not have the highest or right kind of faith. Their faith was not a faith that committed itself