John 2:23-25

Introduction:

1. While in Jerusalem at the Passover, Jesus was performing signs which John did not record, though he recorded the results of them.

2. The belief of these mentioned appears not to have risen to the fullness of saving faith as Jesus did not entrust Himself to them (vs. 24).

3. This passage reveals another demonstration of Jesus’ deity which ought to promote deeper faith and resolve to live uprightly.

Discussion:

I. Two Types of Belief (2:23-24)

A. This text indicates at least two levels of belief one may attain.

B. These believed in His name due to the signs, but He did not “commit” (KJV, NKJV) “trust” (ASV) “entrust” (ESV) Himself to them.

C. Believed (vs. 23) and entrust (vs. 24) are from the same root; their belief lacked the deep conviction to be God’s children (1:12; 12:42).

II. The Discerner of Hearts (2:24-25)

A. Jesus did not entrust Himself to them because He knew their hearts.

B. This is a claim to deity as only God knows the heart (1 Samuel 16:7; 1 Kings 8:39; 1 Chronicles 28:9; Jeremiah 17:10; Acts 1:24; Hebrews 4:12-13; Revelation 2:23).

C. This is a double-edged sword:

1. It promotes deeper faith in Christ as our Lord and our God.

2. It makes it clear we have nowhere to hide (Psalms 139:1-12).

III. All Will Be Made Known

A. Part of the saving faith John’s gospel sought to generate is this knowledge that Jesus discerns our hearts.

B. Not only does he know our hearts, but He will one day expose any dark secrets contained therein (Ecclesiastes 12:14; Romans 2:16; Hebrews 4:13).

Conclusion:

1. May we take great comfort in knowing He sees and knows all.

2. May we also be increasingly zealous for His will and ways, knowing that He knows what is in our hearts too.