Daily Dose of the Word of God - John 2: 23-25

Gregg DeMey, Lead Pastor

Transcript

Gregg DeMey 0:07 

Good morning and welcome to Elmhurst CRC's Daily Dose of the Word of God. It's Thursday, January 15th. This is Greg DeMay, Lead Pastor at the church, and we are starting this year with a spotlight on Jesus with the apostle John guiding our way. Today's passage comes from the Gospel of John, chapter 2, verses 23 through 25.

Gregg DeMey 0:27  

While he was in Jerusalem at the Passover festival, many people saw the signs that Jesus was performing and believed in his name. But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people. He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was inside each person.

Gregg DeMey  0:48  

We've already noted on the Daily Dose that the Gospel of John contains seven signs that Jesus performed. The first, water turned into wine and the last being Jesus raising Lazarus from the grave. But this little passage points out that Jesus' life and teaching was always introducing new signs. People heard Jesus and saw him at the Passover festival and John writes, "Many people saw the signs and believed in his name." Here's the pattern: see the sign, put your belief and confidence in Jesus - the one who is behind the signs, the one to whom all the signs point to. But the Apostle John then notes that the reverse is not true. Jesus does not put his trust or confidence in the people around him. Ouch. Why? John gives the answer: because Jesus knew what was in the heart of each person: self interest (in contrast to the selflessnesses of Jesus inside us), duplicity (in contrast to the simplicity and honesty of Jesus inside us), winning through power or influence (versus what's inside Jesus, winning through sacrifice and surrender to the will of God).

Gregg DeMey 2:11  

Just this last week, I confess myself profoundly disappointed to learn what was in the heart of a great Christian author, Philip Yancey, who's been a profound help to me. I can still benefit from the spiritual insights and great writing that came through Philip Yancey, but I can't and shouldn't trust Philip Yancey anywhere nearly as much as I have trust and confidence in Jesus. Jesus knows what's inside of people. Jesus knows us inside and out and therefore he didn't entrust himself to us - only to God. But don't doubt for a moment that Jesus does love us - even if he doesn't put his confidence in us. Can you imagine loving someone so much that you would give yourself fully for their benefit, selflessly, simply and sacrificially. Stay tuned next week to John chapter 3 to get a fuller, even more beautiful picture of Jesus' self giving love.

Gregg DeMey  3:11  

Let's pray Jesus, if I'm honest with you, I don't even have that much confidence in myself. I don't trust myself most days to even follow through on the best of my intentions. So instead, I put my trust and confidence in you. Help me feel your sacrificial love today and share at least a little glimmer of it. Amen.