23 Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did.
24 But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men,
25 And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.
(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(v23)
2.Fact 2:Jesus did not commit nor entrust Himself to men.(v24-25)
[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 those professing belief) and did not commit Himself to them shows the inadequacy of their faith.
b. They believed because of the miracles.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.Many believed and followed Jesus because it made them feel good, comfortable,and secure.Such belief is weak and often fails.There were those who was attracted to Jesus because of the unusual power they witnessed.They believed because of the power,this belief leads to salvation for everyone who believes.Some through the miracles seen exactly who Jesus was,the very Son of God.Yet many only sought Him for what they could get out of Him,many who never gave any thought to what they might do for Christ.None was even aware of the cost of discipleship,they were unaware that a person had to sacrifice himself and give all he was and had to Christ in order to become a true follower of His.
[2] (2:24-25) Belief-Jesus Christ,Knowledge of-Sin,Secret: second,Jesus did not commit Himself to men.The word "commit" is the very same word as "believe" in v23. Jesus did not trust nor believe in the people;He did not commit Himself into their lives or hands.Jesus kept on refusing to trust men,kept on refusing to commit Himself into their lives.Two reasons are given for this continuing attitude of Jesus.
a. Jesus knew all men.The idea is that He knew every single man personally.No one escaped His knowledge.
b. Jesus knew what was in man.No one needed to tell Him about man.He knew man's nature: His depravity,evil,deception,and fickleness.He knew the men He could and could not trust.He knew every man who professed to believe,yet would;betray him;deny his faith under pressure;forsake Him and turn back to the world;slip and fall back into sin;be weak and easily influenced,tossed to and fro;prove untrustworthy;lack zeal and a genuine commitment;and lack courage to stand.
Jesus knew all this about every man.nothing was hid from Him.therefore,He was not able to commit Himself and His blessings to some men despite the fact that they professed to believe.Thought 1. Some so-called believers( those who make false professions)never receive the indwelling presence of Christ.Christ cannot commit Himself to them.this could mean no assurance of salvation;the Holy Spirit unable to live in the heart of the false believer;No fullness of Life;and no hope for eternal life.
Thought 2. Christ knows everything about everyone.As this Scripture says:He knows "all men" and He knows what is "in man" all his thoughts and deeds,good or bad,done in the light or in the dark,in the open or behind closed doors,publicly or secretly.
We cannot fool God with empty words of profession.God looks at the heart and the intent of the heart.It i swhen we believe in our hearts the Lord Jesus,that we can then cofess with our mouths that God has raised Him from the dead ,and then be saved...........
