A view to the Inside

Scripture verses that caught my attention today: John 2:23-25 When he was in Jerusalem during the Passover festival, many believed in his name because they saw the signs that he was doing. 24 But Jesus on his part would not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people 25 and needed no one to testify about anyone; for he himself knew what was in everyone.

Observation: Jesus recognized the human condition.

Application: We don’t necessarily like to admit it, but as humans we are a pretty fickle lot. We cheer…and then we jeer. We’re on again, off again. We’re up on life and down on life, full of faith and, sometimes, devoid of faith.

Is it any wonder that “Jesus…wound not entrust himself to them?” Of course not. Like the Scripture says, “he knew all people…he himself knew what was in everyone.”

A bigger question is, “do we know what is in everyone or, more precisely, within ourselves?” Are we fully aware of who we are? Do we recognize the gifts that we bring to the table? And the baggage?

And do we recognize that some of the things that we might think are gifts might in reality be baggage? And visa versa?

It occurs to me that the religious leaders in Jesus’ day thought they were doing right in crucifying Jesus. The one time that Jesus did “entrust himself to them” they were revealed for who they really were.

And don’t think for one minute that we would have handled things any different. The ‘condition’ that Jesus recognizes within us is our humanness.

Nevertheless, Jesus himself became human. Humanity might have its share of sickness, but not so much so that Jesus wasn’t willing to take that ailment on himself. In the human flesh of Jesus is, through communion, the very presence of God.

Yes, Jesus knew what was in everyone. But do we know what can be found in him?

Prayer: Lord, thanks for accepting what all that is in us and offering us all that is in you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

(Scripture readings today included: Isaiah 63-64, Psalm 107, and John 2)