March 24th, 2022

Jesus Knows What Is in Man

Joh 2:23  Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did. 
Joh 2:24  But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men, 
Joh 2:25  And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man. 

We get some important insights into the heart and mind of Christ in these passages above, that will be brought out here.

Jesus did not put “trust” or “reliance” in them. He did not leave himself in their hands. He acted cautiously and prudently. The proper time for him to die had not come, and he secured his own safety. The reason why he did not commit himself to them is “that he knew all men.” He knew the “inconstancy” and “fickleness” of the multitude. He knew how easily they might be turned against him by the Jewish leaders, and how unsafe he would be if they should be moved to sedition and tumult.
He knew what was in man - This he did because he had made all Joh_1:3, and because he was God, Joh_1:1. There can be no higher evidence than this that he was omniscient, and was therefore divine. To search the heart is the prerogative of God alone Jer_17:10; and as Jesus knew what was in “these disciples,” and as it is expressly said that he knew what was in man - that is, in “all people” - so it follows that he must be equal with God. As he knows “all,” he is acquainted with the false pretentions and professions of hypocrites. None can deceive him. He also knows the wants and desires of all his real friends. He hears their groans, he sees their sighs, he counts their tears, and in the day of need will come to their relief.  Albert Barnes

Christ being God, knows all that is in man; that there is no good in him naturally, nothing but what comes from his Father, is imparted by himself, or implanted by his Spirit; he knows the wickedness there is in man, that his heart is deceitful and desperately wicked, and full of all manner of iniquities; he knows in what condition all the and faculties of the souls of men are; what their affections are set upon, on earthly or heavenly things; whether there is any light in their understandings, or not; whether their wills are subdued and resigned to the will of God, or not; whether their minds and consciences are defiled, or their hearts are sprinkled from an evil conscience; in short, whether the internal good work of grace is begun upon their souls, or not; and he knows the secret springs of all actions, good and bad; all which prove his true and proper deity, and show him to be a suitable Saviour of sinners, and qualify him to be the Judge of the whole earth. John Gill

Over the years, as I've walked out my own life, these verses has helped me to observe the truth's stated by the men of God above, and agree with the truth of what scripture says of man; there is none that does good; no not one-all have gone astray, all have fallen short. If it wasn't for Jesus, none of us would have a chance, no hope of salvation. The only hope, and truth, is in Christ alone.
Joh 15:5  I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

I've also come to view relations with people as he did, love them, but don't commit myself to them. Love them, and use every opportunity to reveal Jesus to them, and point them to Him; not to myself.
​As John said, I must decrease-He must increase.

Joh 3:30  He must increase, but I must decrease.

These verses also takes off the burden of trying to please everyone, it's impossible. My focus needs to be on walking with Him, in His righteousness, and seek Him alone.

Lastly, I remember the verses in John ch. 15, where he spoke words of comfort to them just before going to the cross:

Joh 15:14  Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. 
Joh 15:15  Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. 
Joh 15:16  Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

In those last hours, knowing the death he was about to face, he spoke these precious words that I know each of them must have held with them in their hearts, the rest of their lives. He called them his friends. There was no greater honor that he could have bestowed on them. In those few words, volumes could be expounded on. They held the weight of his love, his trust, and his commission to them, calling them his chosen servants. With that, he ended it by stamping his authority and power on them-"that whatsoever you shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you". My own heart pounds with unspeakable love, for this Savior, God in the flesh.

In closing, where does Jesus stand with you? What does His life, death, and now risen life-mean to you?
Lorna Couillard