In Whom Do You Trust?

John 2:23-25 (ESV) Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing. But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man.

Many people claim to be unbelievers. Not only would they would say they do not believe in God, but many would claim not to believe in anything. The reality is, though, that we all believe in something. Every time we take a breath we believe the air around us will provide necessary oxygen to our lungs. Every time we take a drink we believe the water or coffee will provide necessary hydration. Ultimately, we all believe in more than just physical necessities. If you get engaged to be married, in a real sense, you are believing that your fiancée will reciprocate your love and commitment. If you take a new job, you believe your employer will pay you in exchange for your labor.

The sad reality is that although we have to believe in others to one extent or another to survive on this planet, not everyone is worth believing in. Ask any jilted lover. Ask one on the receiving end of a breached contract. There are real problems in a lot of people. Jesus knew this.

John 2:23-25 presents a contrast that is not immediately obvious in most English translations, including the ESV above. Verse 23 shows many people believing in Jesus because of the miraculous “signs” he performed. These were inexplicable healings and other miracles like turning water into wine earlier in the chapter that gave solid evidence Jesus was not an ordinary man. In verse 24, though, John uses the same Greek verb (his favorite) episteuen to explain that Jesus did not himself believe in them. The ESV and others use the phrase “entrusted himself to them” to try to convey this concept of trusting without supernatural belief, but it is easy to miss John’s point because of this.

Who do you trust most? In whom do you believe above others? Jesus did not “believe” in people because “he knew what was in them.” He knew, ultimately, we are not all trustworthy. We make mistakes. Many of us tend to selfishly use others for our advantage. Many of us do not keep our promises and commitments. (Just ask your friendly neighborhood collections bureau.) John’s point is that in contrast to the frail, imperfect, sinful people of this world, Jesus is worth believing in. He is good for it. He keeps his promises.

It may not be realistic or even wise to live without trusting other people at all, but ultimately trusting in Jesus is the safest and best way to go.