Stephan Hoffman

Now while he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival, many people saw the signs he 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 in each person. John 2:23-25 (NIV)

Jesus became popular for various reasons. He changed water into wine at the wedding feast in Cana and performed miracles. On the other hand, he became unpopular among the Jews because he had cleansed the temple with a whip, ejecting the money-changers. When confronted, he answered them, “Destroy this temple and I will raise it again in three days”. Jesus was referring to the resurrection on the third day after they had destroyed his temple (his body) on the cross.

We read that many people came to believe in him during the Passover Feast because they saw the miraculous signs he was doing. Jesus, however, did not rely on them, because he knew people. You see the people with whom he was popular or unpopular did not understand who he really was. Some saw him as a wise preacher (rabbi), some regarded him purely as a miracle worker, others as a political leader. Jesus was much, much more than all their expectations of him. He was God himself who had become man. That knowledge would only become clear to his disciples after he was raised from the dead (v22).

Perhaps we expect too much of God. We think we only need God when we want him to do something for us, teach or miraculously help us to change our circumstances. If we follow the Lord for selfish reasons, we do not yet understand who he is. We should not follow Jesus for what he can do for us, but because of whom he is - the living resurrected Lord! The King of the universe whose love for us is everlasting.

Come, let us honestly examine the attitude of our own hearts. Come, let us be certain we are following him for the right reasons. Come, let us out of reverence and gratitude, lead lives obedient to this King of kings. Come, let us live in a relationship of true love with him. It will not necessarily be easier or more comfortable to do so, but to know and love him is infinitely worthwhile.

Prayer: Lord, please forgive me if I sometimes follow you for the wrong reasons. Help me to be less selfish and not to think of what you can do for me, but of what I, out of gratitude, can do for you. Fill my heart with genuine love for you and my neighbour. Amen