Understanding Jesus as the Discerner of Hearts

As we complete chapter 2 of John’s Gospel and move into one of the most famous chapters in the Bible (John 3), we discover three passages that make us pause.

Now, when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in His name when they saw the signs He was doing. But Jesus on His part did not entrust Himself to them, because He knew all people and needed no one to bear witness about man, for He Himself knew what was in man. John 2:23-25 ESV.

The Discerner of Hearts

Jesus did not need anyone to tell Him what was in the hearts and minds of the crowd. It is said that they believed in His name, but did they?

Jesus will always discern the nature of our hearts.

So, what is the heart? The heart is the inner self that thinks, feels, and decides. When the Lord sees our hearts, He doesn’t see them the way the world does. In reality, the heart is central to our personhood – our unique personality.

Can the Lord entrust Himself to our hearts?

To believe or not to believe is still our choice. This is our part. But what is God’s part? It is to entrust Himself to us or not. Just because we say we believe doesn’t mean we’re sincere.

The Lord is the discerner of hearts.

Fickle People

Those who genuinely believe Jesus entrust themselves wholeheartedly, regardless of whether they see signs and wonders. On his part, he entrusts himself to us in faithfulness and love.

Jesus discerns hearts and knows what is in a man or woman. He does not impress us with complicated magic tricks.

Think about it. Would you entrust yourself to a people who are only as faithful as your last trick? As soon as you don’t do what they want or play the tune to their chosen song, they’re off to find someone else.

Authentic Faith?

The faith mentioned here in chapter two appears solid, especially when they say they believe in His name. But the Lord knows the truth – their faith is shallow and superficial.

Today, nothing has changed. Jesus still knows us inside and out. He doesn’t need a letter of reference or a character witness to see right through us.

During the time He was in Jerusalem, those days of the Passover Feast, many people noticed the signs He was displaying and, seeing that they pointed straight to God, entrusted their lives to Him. But Jesus did not entrust His life to them. He knew them inside and out, knew how untrustworthy they were. He didn’t need any help in seeing right through them. John 2:23-25 The Message.

Authentic faith is genuine. It is not based on miracles or the “Miracle Maker.” Jesus is not some miracle worker puffed up by their adoration.

Three People – three hearts

Scripture leads us into understanding what is going on with the next three people Jesus meets. We observe His intimate discussions with Nicodemus, the Samaritan woman, and the Gentile nobleman.

So, Jesus shows His ability to understand their hearts or their hidden inner thoughts, desires, and needs. Nicodemus needed faith, the Samaritan woman required moral transformation, and the nobleman needed his son healed.

Jesus has a thorough understanding of human nature. He can read people accurately more than even a doctor can read a blood test to diagnose cancer.

Searcher of Human Hearts

When He was in Jerusalem, at the Passover, at the feast, many believed in His name, as they saw the signs which He did; but Jesus Himself would not entrust Himself to them, because He knew them all, and because He had no need that anyone should testify to Him what man is like, for He well knew what was in human nature. John 2:23-25 NRSV – Anglicized Edition.

Scripture is impressive in how it tells us something about Jesus’ nature. Jesus knows us, inside and out. Our human nature does not surprise him. He knows that some of us will have a short-lived faith.

We should take this to heart and examine ourselves.

Are we attracted to Jesus because of what He’s done for us or what He’s going to do for us in the future? Do we believe in His transforming power? Are we in church because of the pastor’s last sermon or the praise and worship songs?

• What does Jesus see when He searches your heart?
• Can Jesus entrust Himself to us when He asks for service, self-denial, or even self-surrender?
• Would you be willing to die for Christ?

Love prompted Jesus to turn water into wine. People witnessed His signs and wonders, which dazzled, astonished, and left them breathless. It takes power to mend a broken bone, unhinge a crooked mind, or heal a bruised heart.

But our love relationship with the Lover of our soul is more than signs and wonders. The Lord’s love is so endearing that He wants to entrust Himself to us?

Can Jesus entrust Himself to you?

Prayer Prompt

Heavenly Father, thank you for Jesus and His heart for us. Help me yield my heart wholly to Him so that it fits perfectly in His hand and beats in harmony with His own heart. Lord, make me trustworthy and faithful – someone that Jesus can entrust Himself to Your honor and glory. Amen!

"My son, give me thine heart." ~ Proverbs 23:26 KJV