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. 24 But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men, 25 And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man. (John 2:23-25 KJV)
Jesus Knows What Is in Man
We have here an account of the poor success of Christ’s preaching and miracles at Jerusalem during the Passover.
Our Lord Jesus, while in Jerusalem at the Passover, preached and performed miracles. The people’s believing in him implies that he preached, and it is expressly stated that they saw the miracles he did. He was in the holy city, from which the word of the Lord was to go forth. Since his main residence was in Galilee, he was very active whenever he was in Jerusalem. The Passover, being a holy time appointed for God’s service, brought a great crowd, which Christ used as an opportunity to preach, thus honoring the divine institution (2 Chronicles 30:22).
As a result, many believed in his name, acknowledging him as a teacher from God, like Nicodemus did (John 3:2), and possibly as the promised Messiah, so eager were they for the appearance of that bright and morning star.
Yet Jesus did not commit himself to them (John 2:24). The same word used for their belief in him is used here—he did not believe in them. To believe in Christ is to commit ourselves to his guidance, but he saw no reason to place confidence in these new believers in Jerusalem, where many were hostile to him.
This might have been because some were false and could betray him if given the chance. He had more trustworthy disciples among the Galileans than among the residents of Jerusalem. In dangerous places, it’s wise to be cautious in whom we trust.
More likely, they were weak rather than malicious. Some were fearful and lacked the courage to stand firm. In times of danger, cowards cannot be relied on. Others were probably impulsive and lacked discretion. Perhaps their expectations of a political Messiah were heightened, and they would have been quick to revolt if Jesus had aligned with them, but he refused to do so, for his kingdom is not of this world. We should be cautious around restless, agitating people, even if they profess to believe in Christ.
The reason he did not trust them was because he knew them (John 2:25)—both the wickedness of some and the weakness of others. This highlights Christ’s omniscience.
He knew all people—not only their names and appearances but their inner nature, motives, and intentions. He knew what no man could know fully, not even about himself. His powerful hand made them, and his piercing eye sees into them. He knows his cunning enemies and their secret plots; his false friends and their true nature; what they really are despite what they claim to be. He knows those who are truly his—their sincerity and their struggles. He knows their frame.
He needed no one to testify about anyone. His knowledge didn’t come from reports or hearsay but from his own perfect insight. Earthly rulers must rely on others for information, but Christ knows all things directly. Angels are his messengers, not his spies, for his eyes run throughout the earth (2 Chronicles 16:9). This comforts us when facing Satan’s accusations—Christ does not take character reports from him.
He knew what was in man—not just in individuals, but in human nature itself. We see what people do; Christ sees what is in them. He searches hearts and minds, which is the privilege of the eternal Word (Hebrews 4:12-13). We infringe on his authority if we presume to judge hearts.
How perfectly suited Christ is to be our Savior. He is the great physician who knows exactly what is in the patient—his condition, temperament, and afflictions. And how fit to be the Judge of all, for one who knows all people and all that is in them must judge according to truth.
This was the extent of Christ’s success in preaching and performing miracles at Jerusalem during this visit. The Lord came to his temple, but few came to him—only a handful of weak and simple people, from whom he could neither gain much credit nor place much confidence. Yet, in time, he will see the fruit of his labor.