There is an intriguing comment attached to the end of John 2, that is, after Jesus turned water into wine: "Now while he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many people saw the miraculous signs he was doing and believed in his name. But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all men. He did not need man's testimony about man, for he knew what was in a man" (John 2:23-25). I read this when I was very young, and I have never forgotten it. Jesus did not commit himself even to those who believed in him. Why? Because "he knew what was in a man."

Since the word "believe" is used in both instances, the verse could be translated, "They believed in him, but Jesus did not believe in them." It is true that at least some of them were probably false believers, claiming to follow Christ when they had no genuine faith. But this only reinforces the point. Jesus was not swept up by his popularity. He knew that, although the fame and favor would increase even more for a while, very soon many would no longer follow him (John 6:66). As for those who remained, "It is written: 'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered'" (Mark 14:27). And that was what happened.

In one place, Paul wrote, "At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me" (2 Timothy 4:16). Those were not unbelievers who deserted him, for they were never with him in the first place. No, Christians deserted him. Those were Christians who left him to fend for himself. Perhaps some of them were false converts, but this possibility carries only limited practical relevance. As long as there are false believers and weak Christians in our midst – it is not always easy to tell them apart, and even those that appear to be strong are often revealed to be weak under pressure – it is also possible that they will desert us at our greatest time of need.

Some Christians follow mobs. They are intimidated and influenced by them. So when a minister is widely criticized, some Christians would back away from him, even if they used to support him. I have experienced some of this, too. Often, both the mobs and the deserters are Christians. And when the wave of criticisms pass, or when the person regains favor, then some of the deserters might return. But this kind of support is deceptive and worthless.

Have you read the story of Samson (Judges 15)?⁹ Three thousand cowards from Judah came to betray him, their own anointed deliverer, to the enemies of God. As always, Samson was fearless, but he made the people promise him that they would not kill him themselves before handing him over to the Philistines. That he even had to ask this accentuates his courage and their cowardice.

Notes

⁹ See Vincent Cheung, Samson and His Faith.

(to be continued)

 

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