What's in a Man? (John 2:23-25)

Scripture reading:
23Now while he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many people saw the miraculous signs he was doing and believed in his name. 24But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all men. 25He did not need man's testimony about man, for he knew what was in a man.


Observations:
(1) I have to admit that I do not understand this passage.

It seems clear that Jesus displayed the power of the lord by performing at least some miracles.

It is also clear that the crowd believed in his name because of what they had witnessed.

The point I do not understand is that about Jesus not entrusting himself to them.

What does this mean? Why was Jesus so particular about not trusting these specific people? I don’t know.

The context and location may provide some ideas. The location was Jerusalem – the same town of the crucifixion. This was also the same town where, before his death, Jesus arrived to a mass welcoming - only to have many demand his crucifixion shortly after.

Knowing what would later come, Jesus was doubtless wary of this crowd in particular. Jesus probably saw their belief as being shallow and fickle, especially given how quickly many turned against him at his crucifixion. This is the most likely explanation for Jesus’ distrust.

Furthermore, consider the context. Jesus arrived in Jerusalem to find that traders had turned the temple into a marketplace – not a great impression. If things like this were allowed to occur, it would be fair to say that the faith in Jerusalem was not strong.

Likewise, it was in Jerusalem that Judas was to betray Jesus into the hands of the Jewish leaders. This could also be a factor in Jesus’ response.

What is clear is that there was something different about the people of Jerusalem, some particular reason why Jesus had no trust in them.

But, as stated above, I do not understand the meaning of this passage.


Prayer:
Lord, when we put our trust in you, let our faith always be strong. Do not let our hearts change easily, but let us hold steadfast in good times and bad like a tree with strong roots. Let us stand strong, in solid ground, and never deviate from faith in Jesus.

In your great name I pray,

Amen.