John 2:23
Verse
Context
Jesus Cleanses the Temple
22After He was raised from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this. Then they believed the Scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.23While He was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many people saw the signs He was doing and believed in His name.24But Jesus did not entrust Himself to them, for He knew them all.
Sermons
John Piper
Manley Beasley
Major Ian Thomas
F. Crossley MorganEd MillerSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Many believed in his name - They believed him to be the promised Messiah, but did not believe in him to the salvation of their souls: for we find, from the following verse, that their hearts were not at all changed, because our blessed Lord could not trust himself to them.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
in the feast day--the foregoing things occurring probably before the feast began. many believed--superficially, struck merely by "the miracles He did." Of these we have no record.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But Jesus did not commit himself unto them,.... The sense according to some of the ancients is, that he did not commit the whole of the Gospel to them; he did not make known to them all his mind and will; this he only did to the twelve apostles, his special disciples and friends; nor was the time come, that he would make known, or have made known, the things concerning his person, office, obedience, sufferings, death, and resurrection from the dead: but rather the meaning is, that he did not trust himself with these persons, who believed in him, on the basis of his miracles; he did not take them into the number of his associates; he did not admit them to intimacy with him; nor did he freely converse with them, or make any long stay among them; but soon withdrew himself from hence, and went into other parts of Judea, and into Galilee: because he knew all men: good and bad: all openly profane sinners, and all their actions; not only their more public ones, but those that are done in the dark, and which are the most secretly devised, and levelled against the saints; and he so knew them, as to bring them into judgment: and all good men, true believers; he knows their persons, as they are his Father's choice, his gift of them to him, his own purchase, and as called by his grace; and so as to distinguish them at the last day, and give up the full account of every one of them to his Father: he knows the worst of them, the sin that dwells in them, their daily infirmities, their secret personal sins; their family sins, both of omission and commission; and their church sins, or which are committed in the house of God; and takes notice of them, so as to resent them, and chastise them for them; he knows the best of them, their graces, their faith, hope, love, patience, humility, self-denial, &c; he knows their good works, and all their weaknesses and their wants: and he knows all nominal professors, on what basis they take up their profession, and what trust they place in it; he can distinguish between grace and mere profession, and discern the secret lusts which such indulge, and the springs and progress of their apostasy: he knew all these men, that upon seeing his miracles, professed at this time to believe in him; he knew the hypocrisy and dissimulation of some of them; and he knew the notions they had of a temporal Messiah, and the temporal views they had in believing in him; and their design to set him up as a temporal prince, as some afterwards would have done: knew the flashy affections of others, who were like John's hearers, that were pleased for a while; he knew what sort of faith it was they believed in him with, that it would not hold long, nor they continue with him; for he knew not only all persons, but "all things", as some copies read here; see Joh 21:17.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
We have here an account of the success, the poor success, of Christ's preaching and miracles at Jerusalem, while he kept the passover there. Observe, I. That our Lord Jesus, when he was at Jerusalem at the passover, did preach and work miracles. People's believing on him implied that he preached; and it is expressly said, They saw the miracles he did. He was now in Jerusalem, the holy city, whence the word of the Lord was to go froth. His residence was mostly in Galilee, and therefore when he was in Jerusalem he was very busy. The time was holy time, the feast-day, time appointed for the service of God; at the passover the Levites taught the good knowledge of the Lord (Ch2 30:22), and Christ took that opportunity of preaching, when the concourse of people was great, and thus he would own and honour the divine institution of the passover. II. That hereby many were brought to believe in his name, to acknowledge him a teacher come from God, as Nicodemus did (Joh 3:2), a great prophet; and, probably, some of those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem believed him to be the Messiah promised, so ready were they to welcome the first appearance of that bright and morning star. III. That yet Jesus did not commit himself unto them (Joh 2:24): ouk episteuen heauton autois - He did not trust himself with them. It is the same word that is used for believing in him. So that to believe in Christ is to commit ourselves to him and to his guidance. Christ did not see cause to repose any confidence in these new converts at Jerusalem, where he had many enemies that sought to destroy him, either, 1. Because they were false, at least some of them, and would betray him if they had an opportunity, or were strongly tempted to do so. He had more disciples that he could trust among the Galileans than among the dwellers at Jerusalem. In dangerous times and places, it is wisdom to take heed in whom you confide; memnēso apistein - learn to distrust. Or, 2. Because they were weak, and I would hope that this was the worst of it; not that they were treacherous and designed him a mischief, but, (1.) They were timorous, and wanted zeal and courage, and might perhaps be frightened to do a wrong thing. In times of difficulty and danger, cowards are not fit to be trusted. Or, (2.) They were tumultuous, and wanted discretion and management. These in Jerusalem perhaps had their expectations of the temporal reign of the Messiah more raised than others, and, in that expectation, would be ready to give some bold strokes at the government if Christ would have committed himself to them and put himself at the head of them; but he would not, for his kingdom is not of this world. We should be shy of turbulent unquiet people, as our Master here was, though they profess to believe in Christ, as these did. IV. That the reason why he did not commit himself to them was because he knew them (Joh 2:25), knew the wickedness of some and the weakness of others. The evangelist takes this occasion to assert Christ's omniscience. 1. He knew all men, not only their names and faces, as it is possible for us to know many, but their nature, dispositions, affections, designs, as we do not know any man, scarcely ourselves. He knows all men, for his powerful hand made them all, his piercing eye sees them all, sees into them. He knows his subtle enemies, and all their secret projects; his false friends, and their true characters; what they really are, whatever they pretend to be. He knows them that are truly his, knows their integrity, and knows their infirmity too. He knows their frame. 2. He needed not that any should testify of man. His knowledge was not by information from others, but by his own infallible intuition. It is the infelicity of earthly princes that they must see with other men's eyes, and hear with other men's ears, and take things as they are represented to them; but Christ goes purely upon his own knowledge. Angels are his messengers, but not his spies, for his own eyes run to and fro through the earth, Ch2 16:9. This may comfort us in reference to Satan's accusations, that Christ will not take men's characters from him. 3. He knew what was in man; in particular persons, in the nature and race of man. We know what is done by men; Christ knows what is in them, tries the heart and the reins. This is the prerogative of that essential eternal Word, Heb 4:12, Heb 4:13. We invade his prerogative if we presume to judge men's hearts. How fit is Christ to be the Saviour of men, very fit to be the physician, who has such a perfect knowledge of the patient's state and case, temper and distemper; knows what is in him! How fit also to be the Judge of all! For the judgment of him who knows all men, all in men, must needs be according to truth. Now this is all the success of Christ's preaching and miracles at Jerusalem, in this journey. The Lord comes to his temple, and none come to him but a parcel of weak simple people, that he can neither have credit from nor put confidence in; yet he shall at length see of the travail of his soul.
John 2:23
Jesus Cleanses the Temple
22After He was raised from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this. Then they believed the Scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.23While He was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many people saw the signs He was doing and believed in His name.24But Jesus did not entrust Himself to them, for He knew them all.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
He Knew What Was in Man
By John Piper1.8K49:19JHN 2:23
This sermon delves into the profound knowledge and omniscience of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the importance of genuine faith rooted in the glory of Christ rather than being swayed by signs and wonders. It highlights how Jesus knows everything about us, loves us, and willingly sacrificed Himself despite knowing the depths of human hearts. The sermon challenges listeners to examine the authenticity of their faith, warning against being mere sign chasers and false prophets, and encourages a deep, personal encounter with the self-authenticating glory of Christ.
How to Enter in the Spiritual Reality
By Manley Beasley1.2K40:40Spiritual RealityPRO 20:27MAT 13:58JHN 2:23ROM 3:23ROM 6:23ROM 8:161CO 2:11In this sermon, the preacher discusses the seven basic laws to entering into spiritual reality. He emphasizes the importance of having a vital relationship with God and maintaining fellowship with Him. The preacher also highlights the need to recognize Jesus as Lord and to know God on a personal level. He encourages the audience to seek a spiritual revival and to hunger for the reality of God in their lives.
The Meaning of Being Committed to Jesus Christ
By Major Ian Thomas1.2K43:32True DiscipleshipJesus ChristCommitment to ChristJHN 2:23Major Ian Thomas emphasizes the profound meaning of being committed to Jesus Christ, urging Christians to evaluate the quality of their commitment. He contrasts the dedication of card-carrying communists with the often superficial commitment seen in the church, highlighting that true commitment to Christ requires aligning with His purposes. Thomas challenges believers to consider whether Christ can trust them as they claim to trust Him, stressing that commitment must be rooted in a relationship with Jesus that reflects His mission. He illustrates this through biblical examples, ultimately calling for a total and absolute commitment to Christ that allows Him to work through believers effectively.
Jesus and Nicodemus
By F. Crossley Morgan1.1K57:41JHN 2:23In this sermon, the preacher focuses on three main aspects: his discussion with Jesus, his defense of Jesus, and his devotion to Jesus. He emphasizes the importance of spending most of our time on the first aspect, as it holds significant value. The preacher shares a story about a prince among preachers who struggled to understand the concept of the wind blowing wherever it will. He then relates this story to the biblical passage in John 3:8. The sermon concludes with a reference to Robert Louis Stevenson's writing, "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde," which seems to tie into the overall message of the sermon.
Holl-04 Absolute Overgave 1 of 2 (Absolute Surrender 1 of 2)
By Art Katz9591:18:10HollandJHN 2:23In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of approaching the word of God with reverence and a heavenly mindset. He warns against treating it as a mere lecture or taking notes without truly listening. The preacher highlights the significance of obedience to God's commands, using the example of failing in just one point of the law. He challenges the audience to examine their level of commitment and pursuit of perfection in their spiritual journey. The sermon concludes with a reference to Matthew 16, where Jesus asks his disciples about his identity, highlighting the need for a moment-by-moment diligence in walking in the spirit.
Miracles of Elisha, Message 2
By Ed Miller8971:16:21JHN 2:23In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of keeping our focus on Jesus, regardless of distractions or challenges. He discusses the concept of picking up the mantle and how it signifies the beginning of a new life. The speaker then delves into the life and ministry of Elisha, highlighting four miracles that demonstrate what can be expected when one embraces the Lord. These miracles involve the themes of thirst and receiving according to one's readiness. The sermon concludes with the miraculous filling of trenches with water, showcasing God's power and provision.
The Appearing of Resurrection and the Giving of Power
By Newman Sze8201:22:11MAT 28:1MAT 28:19MRK 16:15LUK 24:44JHN 20:19JHN 21:25In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the 40 days that Jesus spent on earth after His resurrection. He explains that during this time, Jesus trained His disciples to shift their focus from external things to internal revelation, from the flesh to the Holy Spirit, and from the law to life. The speaker shares a personal anecdote about a turbulent airplane ride to illustrate the need for Christians to rise above fear and rely on the Holy Spirit. He concludes by urging the audience to prioritize their personal encounter with the Lord and the experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit.
Spurious Believers #1
By Ernest C. Reisinger79452:15MAT 6:33LUK 8:12LUK 8:14JHN 2:23JHN 6:37JHN 12:43ACT 8:13In this sermon, the preacher discusses the parable of the sower and the different types of believers. He emphasizes the importance of having a strong foundation in faith and warns against being easily swayed or falling away during times of temptation. The preacher also highlights the narrow road to heaven and the dangers of presumption and despair. He encourages believers to hold onto God's promises and follow His precepts to avoid these pitfalls. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the need for genuine and steadfast faith in Jesus Christ.
Stop Trusting in Yourself
By David Wilkerson0Surrender to ChristFaithJHN 2:23ACT 8:37ROM 10:9PHP 3:3David Wilkerson emphasizes that true faith in Christ arises only after one has completely lost confidence in their own abilities and recognizes their utter helplessness. He explains that saving faith requires a heartfelt submission to Jesus, acknowledging that we have nothing to offer and that He is our only hope. Wilkerson illustrates this by contrasting genuine faith, as seen in the eunuch's confession, with temporary faith exemplified by Simon Magus and others who believed superficially. The essence of justification by faith lies in a complete surrender of one's life to Christ, recognizing our lost state and relying solely on Him for salvation.
Sacrificing Everything
By Zac Poonen0SacrificeCommitment to GodJHN 2:23JHN 17:10Zac Poonen emphasizes the necessity of sacrificing everything for the sake of building the Body of Christ, highlighting that true commitment to God requires us to give our all, just as Jesus did. He warns that many Christian leaders lack spiritual authority because they have not fully surrendered their lives and resources to God. Poonen challenges believers to prioritize God's work over personal convenience and to be willing to invest their time, money, and energy into the church. He illustrates this with the example of Noah, who did not hesitate to finance God's command without questioning the costs. Ultimately, he calls for a repentance from a miserly attitude towards God, urging believers to be generous and fully committed to His kingdom.
What Is Your Soil Condition?
By Duane Troyer0MAT 13:8MRK 4:18LUK 8:15JHN 2:23JHN 8:462CO 5:172TI 2:4HEB 12:1Duane Troyer preaches about the importance of having a heart that is receptive to the Word of God, using the parable of the sower to illustrate the different conditions of the heart. He emphasizes the need for understanding, accepting, and keeping the Word in order to bear good fruit for Christ. Troyer warns against being intoxicated by the cares of the world, riches, and pleasures, which can hinder spiritual growth. He highlights the miraculous nature of the seed of God's Word and the importance of having a broken and contrite heart to receive it.
Day 199, John 2
By David Servant0JHN 1:29JHN 2:4JHN 2:6JHN 2:231CO 6:9David Servant preaches on the Gospel of John, emphasizing its focus on the sacrificial death of Jesus. The Gospel highlights Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, pointing towards His ultimate sacrifice on the cross. Through the story of Jesus' first miracle at the wedding feast, we see a foreshadowing of His future crucifixion and the significance of His blood being poured out for everyone's spiritual needs.
John 11:53 to End. Christ Retires to Ephraim.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0PSA 26:6PRO 1:10MAT 26:3JHN 2:23JHN 10:39JHN 11:49JHN 12:12JHN 13:1EPH 2:81JN 2:19Favell Lee Mortimer preaches about the wicked suggestion of Caiaphas leading to the plot to put Jesus to death, emphasizing the guilt of those who propose evil schemes and the consequences of acting on such suggestions. Despite the enemies' plans, Jesus, who knew all things, retreated to Ephraim for a time of intimate fellowship with His disciples. Meanwhile, the Jews gathered for the Passover in Jerusalem, appearing religious outwardly but lacking true spiritual worship. The people's fickle enthusiasm for Jesus reveals the danger of a faith that crumbles under trial and a love easily extinguished by criticism.
(Gaining God's Approval) 1. Called, Chosen and Faithful
By Zac Poonen0JDG 7:1LUK 21:34JHN 2:231CO 7:29COL 3:21TI 1:122TI 2:42TI 2:15REV 17:14Zac Poonen preaches on the distinction between being accepted by God and being approved by God, emphasizing the importance of being faithful over just being called or chosen. He highlights the example of the overcomers in the book of Revelation who have been tested and approved by God. Using the stories of Gideon's army and Jesus' caution against being weighed down by worldly cares, Zac Poonen stresses the need for believers to be tested in daily life and to maintain undistracted devotion to the Lord. He urges Christians to be like Paul and Timothy, diligently seeking God's approval through faithfulness and surrender.
The Faithful Remnant
By Zac Poonen0JDG 7:1LUK 21:34JHN 2:231CO 7:29COL 3:2REV 17:14Zac Poonen preaches on the importance of being called, chosen, and faithful disciples of Jesus, highlighting the overcomers mentioned in the book of Revelation who have been tested and approved by God. He emphasizes the need to be free from seeking personal blessings and to desire to be overcomers in Christ. Using the example of Gideon's army, Zac Poonen illustrates how God tests believers in ordinary aspects of life to see if they are wholehearted and devoted to Him, warning against being weighed down by worldly cares and distractions.
A Christless Pentecost
By David Wilkerson0LUK 5:7JHN 2:23JHN 8:31HEB 1:9HEB 3:1HEB 3:14HEB 6:4HEB 12:8HEB 13:20The preacher delves into the term 'partakers' (metochos) in the Bible, emphasizing the concept of sharing in common blessings and being companions or accomplices in a spiritual enterprise. The sermon explores how believers can be participators in the Holy Spirit's work before salvation, highlighting the importance of responding to His drawing power and leading towards faith. The preacher addresses the question of whether a truly saved person can fall away, emphasizing the need for perseverance in the faith as proof of genuine salvation. The sermon also touches on the significance of tasting the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, pointing out that miracles alone do not save people, as seen in various biblical examples.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Many believed in his name - They believed him to be the promised Messiah, but did not believe in him to the salvation of their souls: for we find, from the following verse, that their hearts were not at all changed, because our blessed Lord could not trust himself to them.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
in the feast day--the foregoing things occurring probably before the feast began. many believed--superficially, struck merely by "the miracles He did." Of these we have no record.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But Jesus did not commit himself unto them,.... The sense according to some of the ancients is, that he did not commit the whole of the Gospel to them; he did not make known to them all his mind and will; this he only did to the twelve apostles, his special disciples and friends; nor was the time come, that he would make known, or have made known, the things concerning his person, office, obedience, sufferings, death, and resurrection from the dead: but rather the meaning is, that he did not trust himself with these persons, who believed in him, on the basis of his miracles; he did not take them into the number of his associates; he did not admit them to intimacy with him; nor did he freely converse with them, or make any long stay among them; but soon withdrew himself from hence, and went into other parts of Judea, and into Galilee: because he knew all men: good and bad: all openly profane sinners, and all their actions; not only their more public ones, but those that are done in the dark, and which are the most secretly devised, and levelled against the saints; and he so knew them, as to bring them into judgment: and all good men, true believers; he knows their persons, as they are his Father's choice, his gift of them to him, his own purchase, and as called by his grace; and so as to distinguish them at the last day, and give up the full account of every one of them to his Father: he knows the worst of them, the sin that dwells in them, their daily infirmities, their secret personal sins; their family sins, both of omission and commission; and their church sins, or which are committed in the house of God; and takes notice of them, so as to resent them, and chastise them for them; he knows the best of them, their graces, their faith, hope, love, patience, humility, self-denial, &c; he knows their good works, and all their weaknesses and their wants: and he knows all nominal professors, on what basis they take up their profession, and what trust they place in it; he can distinguish between grace and mere profession, and discern the secret lusts which such indulge, and the springs and progress of their apostasy: he knew all these men, that upon seeing his miracles, professed at this time to believe in him; he knew the hypocrisy and dissimulation of some of them; and he knew the notions they had of a temporal Messiah, and the temporal views they had in believing in him; and their design to set him up as a temporal prince, as some afterwards would have done: knew the flashy affections of others, who were like John's hearers, that were pleased for a while; he knew what sort of faith it was they believed in him with, that it would not hold long, nor they continue with him; for he knew not only all persons, but "all things", as some copies read here; see Joh 21:17.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
We have here an account of the success, the poor success, of Christ's preaching and miracles at Jerusalem, while he kept the passover there. Observe, I. That our Lord Jesus, when he was at Jerusalem at the passover, did preach and work miracles. People's believing on him implied that he preached; and it is expressly said, They saw the miracles he did. He was now in Jerusalem, the holy city, whence the word of the Lord was to go froth. His residence was mostly in Galilee, and therefore when he was in Jerusalem he was very busy. The time was holy time, the feast-day, time appointed for the service of God; at the passover the Levites taught the good knowledge of the Lord (Ch2 30:22), and Christ took that opportunity of preaching, when the concourse of people was great, and thus he would own and honour the divine institution of the passover. II. That hereby many were brought to believe in his name, to acknowledge him a teacher come from God, as Nicodemus did (Joh 3:2), a great prophet; and, probably, some of those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem believed him to be the Messiah promised, so ready were they to welcome the first appearance of that bright and morning star. III. That yet Jesus did not commit himself unto them (Joh 2:24): ouk episteuen heauton autois - He did not trust himself with them. It is the same word that is used for believing in him. So that to believe in Christ is to commit ourselves to him and to his guidance. Christ did not see cause to repose any confidence in these new converts at Jerusalem, where he had many enemies that sought to destroy him, either, 1. Because they were false, at least some of them, and would betray him if they had an opportunity, or were strongly tempted to do so. He had more disciples that he could trust among the Galileans than among the dwellers at Jerusalem. In dangerous times and places, it is wisdom to take heed in whom you confide; memnēso apistein - learn to distrust. Or, 2. Because they were weak, and I would hope that this was the worst of it; not that they were treacherous and designed him a mischief, but, (1.) They were timorous, and wanted zeal and courage, and might perhaps be frightened to do a wrong thing. In times of difficulty and danger, cowards are not fit to be trusted. Or, (2.) They were tumultuous, and wanted discretion and management. These in Jerusalem perhaps had their expectations of the temporal reign of the Messiah more raised than others, and, in that expectation, would be ready to give some bold strokes at the government if Christ would have committed himself to them and put himself at the head of them; but he would not, for his kingdom is not of this world. We should be shy of turbulent unquiet people, as our Master here was, though they profess to believe in Christ, as these did. IV. That the reason why he did not commit himself to them was because he knew them (Joh 2:25), knew the wickedness of some and the weakness of others. The evangelist takes this occasion to assert Christ's omniscience. 1. He knew all men, not only their names and faces, as it is possible for us to know many, but their nature, dispositions, affections, designs, as we do not know any man, scarcely ourselves. He knows all men, for his powerful hand made them all, his piercing eye sees them all, sees into them. He knows his subtle enemies, and all their secret projects; his false friends, and their true characters; what they really are, whatever they pretend to be. He knows them that are truly his, knows their integrity, and knows their infirmity too. He knows their frame. 2. He needed not that any should testify of man. His knowledge was not by information from others, but by his own infallible intuition. It is the infelicity of earthly princes that they must see with other men's eyes, and hear with other men's ears, and take things as they are represented to them; but Christ goes purely upon his own knowledge. Angels are his messengers, but not his spies, for his own eyes run to and fro through the earth, Ch2 16:9. This may comfort us in reference to Satan's accusations, that Christ will not take men's characters from him. 3. He knew what was in man; in particular persons, in the nature and race of man. We know what is done by men; Christ knows what is in them, tries the heart and the reins. This is the prerogative of that essential eternal Word, Heb 4:12, Heb 4:13. We invade his prerogative if we presume to judge men's hearts. How fit is Christ to be the Saviour of men, very fit to be the physician, who has such a perfect knowledge of the patient's state and case, temper and distemper; knows what is in him! How fit also to be the Judge of all! For the judgment of him who knows all men, all in men, must needs be according to truth. Now this is all the success of Christ's preaching and miracles at Jerusalem, in this journey. The Lord comes to his temple, and none come to him but a parcel of weak simple people, that he can neither have credit from nor put confidence in; yet he shall at length see of the travail of his soul.