John 2:23 – 3:2
John 2:23, the author wants us to know that what follows is a continuation of the Passover. A continuation of the “Wine that Failed” and the “Temple Cleansing and Assumption” (John 2:1-21). The passage starts with, “Now while Jesus was in Jerusalem at the Feast of the Passover” (NET). The disciples who followed Jesus to the wedding in Cana could not help but brag about what Jesus had done. Were any other miracles performed from the wedding to Passover and the temple cleansing? We do not know. But what is certain is that Jesus’s actions at the temple certainly brought much attention His way.
When Jesus was 12 years old, He spent three days in the temple talking to the religious teachers, confounding him with his knowledge and understanding of the scriptures and their true meaning. Many may have recognized Jesus as this young boy, now grown and with his disciples. His actions in the temple had undoubtedly attracted the attention of the religious leaders, but they were not in opposition to Jesus at this time. They were intrigued and wanted to know more. But the passage in John 2:23 continues. “Many believed in His name when they saw the signs which He did.” Many who worshipped at the temple longed to see the traders and money changers driven away. They understood that the priests and religious leaders made much money from selling sacrificial animals and changing money into temple coins. They were happy to see Jesus take such swift and forceful action in the temple.
I like how verse 24 is stated in the New English Translation (NET). “But Jesus would not entrust Himself to them because He knew all people.” The passage wants us to understand that Jesus realized his divinity and He was the promised Messiah. Jesus knew from when He was 12 years old and attending the Passover (see Luke 2:41-52 who he was). But to be a Rabbi and have disciples would not be socially unacceptable until Jesus was 30 years old. But Jesus, understanding the condition of the people’s hearts, knew that if he revealed He was the Messiah, He would be forced into a position of power. By being forced into a position of authority, He would be unable to reflect the Father’s love, grace, and mercy toward a people enslaved to both sin and traditions of man. Therefore, Jesus withheld the information. He did not need anyone to state publicly what the people thought of Him. He was not looking for personal adoration or self-glory from the lips of others. He knew what was in humanity’s heart.
But! Many had questions! They heard the disciples, saw Jesus, or heard what Jesus had done in the temple. The wine that failed in Cana was well known, thanks to the disciples. Who is this Jesus? They asked. One who was asking was a Pharisee named Nicodemus. Nicodemus was a ruler of the Jews. This means that Nicodemus was part of the Sanhedrin that ruled and judged over the Jews in civil and religious matters. Nicodemus came to Jesus at night (John 3:2 NET). Earlier in John’s gospel, the author said Jesus was the world’s light (John 1:4, 5). The author also wants us to see that Nicodemus is coming to the light of the world. Still, he is coming to light out of the darkness that is within his own heart (“Came to Jesus at night” (John 3:2)). This emphasizes the statement made by John in verse 2:25, “He did not need anyone to testify about man (humanity) for he knew what was in man (humanity).
Our next post will examine the conversation between this learned religious and civil leader and Jesus.
The Bible In Your Hand 