Scripture to Read: John 2:23–25
God had John also share this in John 2:23–25, “Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name, observing His signs which He was doing. 24 But Jesus, on His part, was not entrusting Himself to them, for He knew all men, 25 and because He did not need anyone to testify concerning man, for He Himself knew what was in man.” So, Jesus performed miracles while He was in Jerusalem, but Jesus also knew that some who chose to follow Him were doing it for the wrong reasons. God had John clarify in John 2:24–25 that Jesus fully understood the shallowness and faithlessness of the human heart. So, Jesus knew that not all of His new followers would stay with Him. Many of the people believed Jesus was powerful after seeing His miracles, but their belief was only intellectual and not transforming. God even tells us in Titus 1:16, “They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient and worthless for any good deed.” Many will say with their lips that they believe in Christ, but lip service does not change a heart. Thankfully, we can rest in the fact that our Lord knows those who are faithful followers of Him as God's word says in 2 Timothy 2:19, “Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, ‘The Lord knows those who are His…’” Christ knows the hearts and minds of everyone. Therefore, we know that no one can fool our Lord.
Challenge & Application
• Why did so many believe in Jesus, but Jesus knew their belief was not genuine?
• How can we be assured that the Lord has sealed us and that we belong to Him? (Also see Ephesians 1:13, 4:30.)
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!