"You Say That You Believe In Jesus...Does Jesus Believe In You?" (John 2:23-25)

While it's true that only God knows the true condition of a person's heart, it's also true that Jesus said we can know a tree by its fruit (Luke 6:43-44). As Christ followers, we should be able to spot a Christ follower by his godly behavior and lifestyle! Genuine belief in Jesus results in a changed life! The Holy Spirit brings new loves, desires, values and priorities to our lives! The new birth brings a definite change! I'm teaching on this matter because many have said to me, "I believe in Jesus and I'm your brother or sister in Christ." So I begin to look for evidence to back up this claim. Many, show no evidence of being born again even though that's their profession. Also, I bring up these matters because of what our passage teaches. It tells us about a situation where "many believed in His name" (v 23). But, verse 24 tells us, "But Jesus, on His part, was not entrusting Himself to them, for He knew all men." You say that you believe in Jesus...does Jesus believe in you? The word translated "entrusting" (2:24, NASB) is the same Greek verb translated "believed" (2:23)! We could accurately translate it, "Many believed in Jesus, but Jesus did not believe in them!" Our Lord intends for us to understand that these people had superficial, non-saving faith. We don't do people any favors by glossing over the reality of what it means to follow Christ! Your marriage might not get better! You might not get a better job! Your financial situation may not change! You might not experience healing from your sickness or disease! The question for us is "Why doesn't Christ welcome all of these people who are believing in His name?" The answer is that Jesus could see their hearts. He knew that their faith was based on seeing the miracles He did, but they were not trusting in Him because of their lost condition in sin! Trusting the Lord because of our lost condition in sin is the only valid reason to come to Jesus Christ! Your move. Be encouraged!