John 2:24 “But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men”

Jesus had come to the Passover and had performed signs before the people (John 2:23), causing many to believe in His name. Even though many declared belief, Jesus did not commit Himself to them. Why would Jesus not commit Himself to those that professed belief in who He was? It is because He knows all men. He did not just know who they were, but He knew their heart. Jesus knew that many of those that had just declared belief in who He was would later turn from His ministry. It is easy to believe in something that we can see, but much harder to have faith in what we cannot. The people that Jesus spoke of here did not have faith in Him, but only a belief in the signs He performed. They were looking for a Messiah that would come and set them free from the bondage of the Romans, not sin.

When they realized that Jesus was not the Political leader they sought, they quickly turned from Him. Even though they believed in the signs He performed, they did not have faith in who He was. How often do people now do the same thing? They come to Jesus searching for His miracles and blessings and when they fail to see them the way they hoped, they are quick to turn from Him. It makes me think of an old catch phrase that was once popular, “What have you done for me lately?” Just like the people that Jesus spoke about in this verse, people today still look to Christ for what He can do for them. When they do not receive the results that they are searching for, then they are quick to turn away from Him. What a sad and dire mistake.

Notice that the disciples were not grouped into this people that Christ did not commit Himself to. Verse 24 only speaks to those that believed in Him because of the signs He performed at Passover, or just mere followers. Remember, Jesus not only sees who we are, but our hearts as well. Jesus knew the heart of the disciples. But what distinguishes a disciple’s heart from a mere follower’s? A disciple walks with faith, and a mere follower does so with their senses and own desires. The disciple’s commitment to Christ was one that was unconditional. They did not place rules on following Him, but followed unconditionally. It did not matter to the disciples why Christ had come, but only that He was the true Son of God. A true walk with Christ can only come through unconditional faith. Unless we commit ourselves in unconditional faith to Him, He will not commit Himself to us. We must be willing to follow with a faith that is not selfish in thought or practice, but accepting and willing in whatever Christ places before us.

So ask yourself this, “Is my walk with Christ unconditional?” Are you a disciple of Christ, or just a mere follower? Remember, Jesus not only sees who you are, but your heart as well.

-Timothy Sweezy