Seeking Jesus First Jan. 15, 2025
Many Believed… But
“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 Jesus did not commit Himself to them… for He knew what was in man.” (John 2:23–25, NKJV)
As John brings this chapter to a close, he introduces a sobering contrast. On the surface, everything looks encouraging. Jesus is in Jerusalem during Passover. He is performing signs. And John tells us plainly that many believed in His name. This sounds like success. It sounds like revival. It sounds like momentum.
But John adds one small word that changes everything: “But.”
“But Jesus did not commit Himself to them.”
This is one of the most revealing statements in the Gospel. The word translated commit carries the idea of entrusting oneself. Though many believed in Him, Jesus did not entrust Himself to them. Why? John gives the reason: “for He knew all men, and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man.”
This passage forces us to confront a hard truth: not all belief is the same.
The belief described here is real, but it is incomplete. It is based on signs—on what people could see, and be impressed by. The miracles stirred amazement and curiosity. They produced admiration and interest. But admiration is not the same as transformation. Signs can awaken attention, but they cannot by themselves produce new hearts.
Jesus sees the difference.
He does not reject these people, nor does He condemn them. But He does not entrust Himself to them. Why? Because Jesus is not moved by outward enthusiasm alone. He is after something deeper than excitement. He is seeking hearts that are open, humble, and willing to be changed.
This distinction prepares us for what comes next in John’s Gospel. Immediately after this passage, John introduces Nicodemus—a religious leader who comes to Jesus at night. Nicodemus has seen the signs. He acknowledges that Jesus must be from God. Yet Jesus will tell him that seeing signs is not enough. “You must be born again.” The issue is not information or amazement, but inward renewal.
John 2:23–25 reminds us that Jesus knows what is in us. He sees beneath words, professions, and appearances. He knows whether our faith is rooted in convenience, curiosity, or genuine surrender. This is not meant to make us fearful, but honest. Jesus does not expose hearts to shame them—He does so to heal them.
Sign-based belief asks, “What can You do for me?”
Heart-based faith asks, “Who are You, Lord?”
One is drawn by power; the other is drawn by truth. One marvels at miracles; the other yields to transformation. Jesus welcomes those who come honestly, even with questions and weakness. But He will not entrust Himself to faith that resists change.
Today’s devotion invites quiet self-examination. What draws you to Jesus? Is it what He provides, or who He is? The good news is that Jesus is not looking for perfect faith—He is looking for genuine faith. Faith that is willing to be seen, searched, and reshaped.
As we move into John 3, keep this in mind: Jesus knows what is in man. And because He knows, He also knows exactly what we need.