January 11
JOHN 2
23 Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing. 24 But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people 25 and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man. – John 2:23-25
JOHN 2 NOTHING IS HIDDEN FROM JESUS
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
Man’s nature is bent and will be that way without God’s grace
Humans tend to cater to his own cravings and the desires of his flesh
In our sinful state, we can never truly give glory to Jesus Christ
Because of sin, we are easily deceived by our own selfishness and pride
We can deceive another man but we can’t hide anything from God
He knows us in and out; he has counted every strand of hair in our head
Why continue to deceive yourself when there is nothing that he doesn’t know?
Why not open up your heart and receive the mercy and grace he gives you?
In this account, many believed in his name when they witnessed Jesus’ miracles, teachings and signs, but Jesus didn’t trust some of them for he knew exactly what was in their hearts. Some may have believed because they saw him doing these signs, but that could be short lived when they do not see anything more than what their limited minds expect. He also knew that many Jews were still skeptical and had unbelief.
Some commentators such as Morgan said ““If belief is nothing more than admiration for the spectacular, it will create in multitudes applause; but the Son of God cannot commit Himself to that kind of faith.” Bruce commented “Other leaders and teachers may be misled at times into giving their followers more credit for loyalty and understanding than they actually possess; not so Jesus, who could read the inmost thoughts of men and women like an open book.” Morris stated that “When many came to believe in Him, He did not commit Himself to them. He was not dependent on man’s approval.”
REFLECTION
• How can we be open to receive the faith that we are given by God?
