Jesus Didn’t Trust Them

Text: John 2:23-25
Theme: Jesus knows our hearts can’t be trusted.
Key verses: “Because of the miraculous signs Jesus did in Jerusalem at the Passover celebration, many began to trust in him. 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” (John 2:23-25).
What God said to me: Dwayne, you are a prime example of someone I can’t completely trust. Your heart, like everyone’s, is deceptively wicked. Only I really know about you because I see into the depths of your soul. You’re not fooling me. You make vows to me, but you don’t keep them. You have good intentions but you don’t always follow through with them. You seek me but not with your whole heart. There’s still a hidden closet in your soul and mind that must be cleaned out and surrendered to me. Confess your faults to someone you trust to hold you accountable. That will help earn my trust in you again. Pray now and confess and I will then talk with you and open my Word to you… Notice in this passage that people starting trusting Jesus because He did miracles among them. They were impressed and excited by what they saw, but they had no idea what real commitment to Jesus would mean. They “believed in him” but only to an extent. Their faith was shallow at best. It was a start, but Jesus knew it wasn’t the kind of faith He could trust. In fact, even his own disciples whom he’d invested months and months with turned their backs on him (Peter and Judas). Many started following Jesus only to turn away when his teaching got too personal or radical for them. Jesus knew what was in each person’s heart, and he knew better than to entrust his life and ministry to them. Dwayne, as I walk with you day after day, I will help you discern those you can trust the most. I will give you a sense of caution about those you can’t trust as much. I know their hearts, just like I know yours. But keep this in mind: Jesus didn’t rebuke those who trusted in him, including those he knew would later turn against him. Jesus was loving and patient and kind, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to true repentance and discipleship. I expect you to do no less. Don’t be too quick to shy away from those you don’t trust. Maybe, just maybe, they will prove to be at least as trustworthy toward you as you are toward me.
What I said to God: Holy Father, almighty God, Prince of Peace, I praise You today for speaking to me. I certainly don’t deserve Your love and to hear Your voice. It’s only by Your grace that I stand and only by Your mercy that I get another day to serve You. I confess and forsake my sins. I believe in You and want to know You more. I want to know You in the fellowship of Your sufferings and in the power of Your resurrection. I say I want to know You that much, but once again, my spirit is willing, but my flesh is weak. I mean well, but will I stay the course when the going gets rough? Will I remain faithful to You as You have always been faithful to me? Lord, can you trust me enough to entrust to me the souls of those you mean for me to reach and disciple? Can you trust me, Lord? Better question: would I trust me?