John 2:23-25 (ESV)

Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in his name when they saw what 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.

“I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” This quote is widely attributed to the famous Hindu activist, Mahatma Gandhi, who held Jesus’ life and teachings in high regard. He also said, “I do not accept the orthodox teaching that Jesus was or is God incarnate in the accepted sense or that he was or is the only Son of God.” Gandhi was certainly a fan of Jesus…but he was not in his family. He admired his example and teachings…but rejected his divinity and resurrection.

We must not miss the enormous difference between the saving belief found in John 2:22 and the ineffectual belief found in today’s passage. Jesus knows the difference between a true Believer and one who merely ascribes intellectual assent. You can see and acknowledge a powerful miracle…and even admire the miracle worker…while at the same time your heart chooses to reject the actual identity and message that miracle worker claims. Jesus had many admirers then—and he still does today—but “the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few” (Mth. 7:14).

No matter what people say about themselves, Jesus does not accept human testimony, because He knows what is in each person’s heart and mind. 

Sadly, there are churches all over America occupied to a large extent by people who profess with their mouths some good things about God, Jesus, and the Bible…but lack actual saving faith. I was one of them for years. So was my wife. Perhaps you were, too. Maybe you still are. While some people will tell you they are a Christian, they are actually a “Gandhi.” They recognize the weight of Jesus’ life and teachings, yet they lack a blood-bought and abiding faith in His life, death, and resurrection. They have obviously been born, but never born again. We’ll pick it up right there in the next DOSE as we venture into chapter three and the story of Nicodemus.