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When Jesus went to Jerusalem, He cleared the Temple courts of sellers whom He chided for turning the place into a marketplace (John 2:14-16). Ordinary people were impressed by His courage and watched Him perform signs and wonders. John 2:24-25 - But Jesus didn’t trust them, because he knew all about people. /No one needed to tell him about human nature, for he knew what was in each person’s heart (NLT).
Why didn't He trust these people? Weren't they the same ones who welcomed Him into Jerusalem with palm fronds and praises as He arrived on a donkey? The scriptures even tell us that they "believed in his name" (John 2:23). What was it that made them untrustworthy?
He knew their opinions were fickle and that their hearts did not yield to the One who gave Him the power to do what attracted their attention. The fact that He healed people did not change their hearts. They weren't moved to learn how He'd done what He did and honor the God behind it all. How could He trust such people?
John 6:64 - Yet there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him.
Instead, these same people who believed in Him turned against Him when a false rumor arose. They followed the lead of their religious leaders to attack and slander Him. Just like that, His 'fans' became His most vocal enemies. They chose a rebel and murderer to go free instead of the man who'd helped their neighbors and displayed the power of the Lord in their midst.
There are many lessons to learn from this. First, pray for godly wisdom on who is trustworthy. Jesus had supernatural insight into the hearts of the people He didn't trust. We need that same understanding as it can save us a lot of time and trouble.
Second, don't be the sort of person Jesus can't trust. This sort of person is fickle-minded and that happens when we allow the world to guide our opinions instead of the Word. Instead, seek out God and learn about His power. Believe in Him and His Son. Open the Bible to achieve this. Prayerfully study it, apply what it teaches, and let God transform you.
Third, don't let the applause distract you. Jesus didn't bask in the attention He received. He could have leveraged His fame to build a fan base that would have protected Him from what was to come. Instead, He kept His head down and kept moving toward God's purpose. He prioritized the Lord's concern that He be the Lamb who takes away the sins of the world on the cross. We too were placed on earth to serve God and that must be our priority.
Fourth (and the most important point), give your life to Jesus. Ask Him to be your Lord and Savior. I say this because the very people Jesus didn't trust succumbed to an antichrist spirit when He was put on trial. They didn't know God and couldn't see His light in Jesus. To avoid this, we need the help of God's Holy Spirit and only those who give their lives to Jesus qualify to receive this gift.
What other lessons jump out at you from this part of the Bible. Share your thoughts so iron can sharpen iron (Proverbs 27:17). By the Lord's grace we won't be like those Jesus couldn't trust. Instead, we will be those whom the Lord selects to do His bidding because we are trustworthy, we stand firm in faith, and are not fickle or stiff-necked, IJN Amen.
As you wait for fellowship at 12 Noon EST, consider reading the Altar Call below and the following previous P&P messages:
