Category: John 2

During the feast, many believed in His name, observing His signs which He was doing. But Jesus, on His part, was not entrusting Himself to them, for He knew all men and because He did not need anyone to testify concerning man, for He Himself knew what was in man. — John 2:23-25 (NIV)

This passage is sobering and perhaps more than a little troubling, yet important for us to embrace, especially those of us in any kind of ministry. Jesus “knew what was in man”, and because of that knowledge, He did not entrust Himself to them. What was this thing that was (and is) in people that caused Jesus to be guarded in what He revealed? Contextually and from what Jesus experienced before His crucifixion, I think I can say that this is the fickleness of people — our ability to be passionate for one thing one day, and passionate for the opposite the next!

Continue reading “Fickleness of People (John 2:23-25)”

He found in the temple those who were selling oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables. And He made a scourge of cords, and drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen; and He poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables; and to those who were selling the doves He said, “Take these things away; stop making My Father’s house a place of business.” — John 2:14-16 (NIV)

This certainly blows away images of Jesus as being perpetually mild-mannered and gentle as a lamb! The lamb is also a lion! This one man in action was unimpeded in overturning tables and single-handedly drove several people and many animals out of the temple. He wasn’t trying to clear the temple — only those whose purpose was commerce rather than prayer.

What lessons are we to take from this? Was Jesus angry because money was being exchanged? If so, ought we forbid Christian books and other items from being sold in our churches today? I would suggest Jesus anger had less to do with what was taking place in the temple and was really about what the buying and selling was interfering with.

Continue reading “How Dare They Prevent People from Drawing Near to God?! (John 2:14-16)”

Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.” “Dear woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My time has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” — John 2:3-5 (NIV)

To me, this is one of the most astonishing incidents of the whole Bible. Jesus’ mother presents a problem that this newly married couple is facing: they ran out of wine for their wedding feast, which was a serious embarrassment and a problem, too. There is a strong hint that Mary is asking Jesus to do something miraculous, both in the way that Jesus replies, and in Mary telling the servants to do whatever Jesus says. But the astonishing part is that Jesus more or less tells His mother “No”; His mother persists in faith; and Jesus does it, even though he already said No”.

Continue reading “The Power of a Mother’s Insistence (John 2:3-5)”