When Jesus overturned the money changers’ tables and cleansed the temple in John 2, the religious leaders were astonished by His behavior. But some wondered, “Do these signs prove He is the Messiah, the one that God sent?” Among that interested group was a man named Nicodemus, to whom Jesus would later say, “You must be born again” (John 3:7). But not everyone was like Nicodemus.
Jesus performed many signs and wonders in Jerusalem at the time of the feast, and many people believed in Him because of the miracles He performed. But their interest was superficial. They weren’t seeking Him for the mission of Christ, but for the miracles of Christ.
Now John had a particular way of writing. He wrote what he saw happening, and then he gave his comments. In John 2:23 he wrote, “Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name when they saw the signs which He did.”
But keep reading until you get to Jesus’ response. Look at John’s editorial comment: “But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men, and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man” (vv. 24-25).
John was pointing out that Jesus is more than a man. He exhibits the very characteristics and qualities of God, including omniscience. He is the only one of whom you can say, “He knows what people are thinking, what’s in the heart and the very mind of a person.”
John’s use of language here is interesting. “Many believed in [Him]โฆBut Jesus did not commit Himself to them” (see vv. 23-24). The Greek word for believe and commit are essentially the same exact word. So let me re-translate that for the effect of the play on words. “Many believed in Him, but He did not believe in them.”
You see, there is a faith that falls short of saving faith. We love to hear people say, “Oh, I believe in Jesus.” We love it when somebody famous says something spiritual. If they even mention Jesus, we think they must be born-again Christians.
But a faith that is short of saving faith is superficial faith. It’s described in James 2:19: “You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believeโand tremble!” Demons believe in God so much that they have an emotional response. They tremble.
Warren Wiersbe has an interesting phrase for people like the superficial seekers in Jerusalem: “unsaved believers.” Jesus knows what’s in their heart. He knows they want a free meal, a miracle. He knows that they’re not fully committed to Him with saving faith. They’re just going along for the ride.
Hebrews 4:13 is a sobering verse. It says, “And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”
We must give an accountโand we will. He has full appraisal of everything we say, think, and do. He knows everything about us.
Here’s what’s amazing about the gospel. He knows everything about you, and He loves you anyway. The cross proves that point.
You can be superficial with Jesus, like the crowd in Jerusalem, or you can be seeking and sincere with Him, like Nicodemus.
Itโs your choice.
