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Commentaries
English
John
  
2. Jesus speaks with Nicodemus
(John 2:23 – 3:21)

a) People lean towards Jesus
(John 2:23-25)
23Now then he was in Jerusalem at the Passover feast, during the feast, many believed in his name, when they saw the signs which he did;24but Jesus did not trust himself to them, because he knew all men25and needed no one to bear witness of man; for he Himself knew what was in man.


At the Passover crowds came to Jerusalem, the center of worship. They were thinking of the Lamb who shielded their forefathers from God’s judgment, so they shared the flesh of sacrifices in their meals.
Jesus, God’s appointed Lamb, had come to Jerusalem and worked many signs, showing his love and power. At this he became the notice of the crowds and his name was on many lips; they were whispering, "Is he a prophet, or Elijah the forerunner, or perhaps the Messiah?" Many were drawn to him, and believed he had come from God.
Jesus saw into their hearts, but chose none of them for discipleship. They did not yet discover his deity, but were thinking in worldly terms. On their minds was freedom from Rome, suitable careers and comfortable futures. Jesus knew all men; no heart was hid from his eyes. Not one sought God sincerely. Had they sincerely sought God, they would have been baptized in the Jordan, confessing their sin and repenting.
Christ knows your heart, your imaginings, your prayers and sins. He knows your thoughts and their sources. He realizes that you wish for a life of decency and righteousness. When will your pride be shaken? And when will you turn away from your self-esteem, to be filled by the Holy Spirit?