The True Measure of Faith: Beyond the Surface

Bible Passage: John 2:23-25

John 2:23–25 ESV

23 Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing. 24 But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people 25 and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man.

Summary: This passage illustrates that while many people were drawn to Jesus because of His miracles, He understood their hearts and motives. It serves as a critical reminder that outward appearances of faith can often mask deeper issues and that Jesus desires a relationship rooted in authenticity rather than mere acknowledgment of His power.

Application: This sermon encourages Christians to reflect on their motivations for faith. Are they following Jesus for what He can do for them, or are they truly invested in a personal relationship with Him? This inward reflection can lead to transformation and a renewed commitment to prioritize the heart over appearances.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that authentic faith in Jesus requires more than superficial acknowledgment based on signs and wonders. It emphasizes the importance of understanding our inner motivations and seeking a deeper, transformative relationship with Christ.

How this passage could point to Christ: Within the context of the Bible, this passage underscores Jesus as the one who sees and knows the human heart, affirming His role as Savior who calls for more than superficial belief. It invites believers to recognize their need for Jesus not only as a miracle worker but as Lord and Savior, prompting them toward sincere faith and repentance.

Big Idea: True faith in Christ is measured by the authenticity of our hearts, rather than the temporary amazement at His works.

Recommended Study: During your preparation, consider examining the original Greek terms used in John 2:23-25 in your Logos library to gain insights into the nuances of belief and faith. Look into the broader Johannine themes of understanding and belief versus true discipleship. Additionally, explore commentaries that discuss the relationship between signs and true faith in the Gospel of John, as this will help enrich your sermon with deeper theological insights.

1. Seeing the Spectacular: Signs and Faith

John 2:23 ESV

23 Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing.

We see a change in pace at the end of chapter 2

Jesus has been celebrating Passover

After people saw the signs we have discussed

They began to believe

they even believed in His name

What we learn from this is Miracles draw

Miracles have a way to draw people in

All throughout Scripture we see this drawing from the Lord

through the Miracles He performs

People flock to see what will happen next

But in turn it shows a different understanding

We see that their Faith was superficial

their faith did not run deep within them

They merely celebrated the Miracle man

we can attest to this as this same people would reject Jesus 3 years later

They celebrated the man

because of the acts He was performing

but what measure of faith was there

They were simply believing in what the Lord was doing

They saw something incredible

thus the incredible encounter brought about belief in His name

Belief through miracles alone is superficial

it is without depth and understanding

instead faith should cause us to seek deeper

It should bring us a deeper desire of understanding

it should cause a drawing not just for the next miracle

but instead the one behind the miracle

Faith based on miracles

is rudimentary at its best

This brings us to the motives of the heart

2. Searching Hearts: Motives Matter

John 2:24 ESV

24 But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people

Next Jesus starts to analyze the Heart of the people

Jesus moves from recognizing that these people were believing

To a sense of understanding

Jesus looked deeper than the awe of the crowd

He looked deeper than the awestruck voices at what had occurred

He looked deeper than the excitement running through the crowds

Jesus looked within the heart of man

He saw the depths of man

John describes it here at the end of the verse

Jesus knew all people

He knew not just who they were

or who they portrayed themselves to be

Instead He knew them much deeper

He knew them for who they actually were

Jesus could see the superficial nature of the heart

Jesus could see the motives behind the faith of the crowd

You see miracles could have brought about a lot of different motivations

May a family member who needed a miracle

maybe a sense of excitement

maybe a sense of jealousy

maybe a sense of doubting

maybe a sense of concern on behalf of influence

maybe a desire to be around the “famous one”

Maybe a what can he do for me mentality

As you and I know this is not a reason to worship Jesus

This is not true Faith in Jesus

True Faith in Jesus is one that runs deep

True faith doesn’t need constant miracles

true Faith relies on the promises of God and that alone

Hebrews 11:1 ESV

1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

Assurance in Faith comes through the Holy Spirit

Comes through understanding

Comes through full reliance

on the Lord above

We need not just recognize Jesus

instead we need to move to genuine faith that seeks transformation

You see Faith had not been made full until the resurrection

as this completed God’s plan to offer redemption

3. Surrendering Secrets: Genuine Trust

John 2:25 ESV

25 and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man.

Lastly we see a need for authenticity in faith

We cannot be Faith Fakers

The church is already full of faith fakers

false Christians

those who like the idea

those who like the thoughts

but they don’t like all the strings attached

they don’t like God’s design

Instead these people build a Gospel or a Jesus that meets their wants

They build a concept of faith that helps and promotes them

This is not the Faith Jesus wants from us

It says in this verse that Jesus knows the heart of man

he recognizes the depth of despair that lies within the heart of man

He recognizes the wrong motives in the heart

he recognizes the sin within the heart of man

the sin that we know is a sin against God first before anyone else

Psalm 51:4 ESV

4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment.

Just as the Psalmist says back in the Old Testament

He recognizes the lack of conviction

But He also recognizes the heart that is seeking the Lord

The Lord knows what we are thinking

He knows what we are doing

He knows what we are hoping for

He knows what is our inmost desires

Jeremiah 17:10 ESV

10 “I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.”

Jeremiah 20:12 ESV

12 O Lord of hosts, who tests the righteous, who sees the heart and the mind, let me see your vengeance upon them, for to you have I committed my cause.

Even back in the Old Testament

we see The understanding of God being able to read the heart and mind

God doesn’t just see you at your worst in action; He sees you at your worst at heart

The captain not only knows His course but He knows His crew! - James Hastings

Jesus does’t want fake followers

he wants Faithful followers

A true relationship in Jesus leads to Faithful following

Repentance and Faith lead to salvation

Faithful following is the result of Salvation

Salvation Message