What Jesus Did! 'He Knew What People Were Really Like' — John 2:23-25

Thursday, February 8, 2018

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 NLT

Key Thought

We often yearn for the acceptance of the crowd. We want others to notice us as significant. Many of us want our moment of fame. Jesus didn't operate in that fashion. He knew that those who cried "Praise God!" (literally, "Hosanna!") and welcomed him as their king later in his ministry could then cry out "Crucify him!" after just another week. So Jesus did his ministry based on God's timing and his own heart of obedience. He submitted to the Father and honored him at great personal cost. Why? Because he wasn't trying to win the crowd's approval. Instead, he was willing to pay any price so the fickle masses could find a real Savior and not another power-hungry tinhorn pseudo-messiah.

Today's Prayer

Thank you, O God, for your Son's faithfulness. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for your willingness to bear the crowd's scorn and not give in to the crowd's fickle approval. I know you did it to honor your Father and to provide, in your own body, the perfect sacrifice for my sin. How can I not praise you with all my heart? To you, and through your holy name, I offer my thanks and praise. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • John 12:42-43
  • Romans 5:6-11
  • Hebrews 2:14-18

Comments

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Thursday, February 8, 2018

A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Little Things, Big Differences'
"Dear Beloved, During My ministry on earth, I talked about how important a person's heart is (Mark 7:1-23 is just one example.). The Jewish religious...."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Matthew 1:21
"Many persons, if they are asked what they understand by salvation, will reply, "Being saved from hell and taken to heaven." This is one result of..."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Abraham Joshua Heschel:
"The test of love is in how one relates not to saints and scholars but to rascals."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Chosen for Glory' (Ro. 9:21-24)
"Dear Father, ruler of the ages, You, O God, are the potter who has the right over the clay to make of it whatever you please. What if you, desiring....."

Illustration

Illustration of John 2:23-25 NLT — But Jesus didn’t trust them, because he knew all about people.

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!