Musings on the Book of John

Trusting - John 2:18-25

BY CONNIE HECKER

The Jews then responded to him, 'What sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?' Jesus answered them, 'Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.' They replied, 'It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?' But the temple he had spoken of was his body. After he was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled what he had said. Then they believed the scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken. Now while he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival, many people saw the signs he was performing and believed in his name. But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people. He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person. (John 2:18-25 NIV)

When Jesus’ authority is challenged, He proclaims His resurrection. Uh, yeah. Bottom line, Jesus has power over the one thing that we all have no power over – life and death. Don’t get me wrong – our sin can result in life (pregnancy), and our sin can result in death (disease), but that is a far cry from God’s creation power of life after death! We have already seen Jesus’ creative power in the first “sign” John shares in his gospel (water to wine). Keep that in mind as we now see Jesus’ healing power revealed. This is the Jesus that we go to in prayer when we are in need. We know that He is the face and arms and feet of the Father, the one we can turn to and who sends us help in response to our cry.

John tells us that Jesus was performing signs and that many believed in His name during the feast of Passover. At the end of the book, John says that there would not be enough books to be able to write everything that Jesus did. So, I can only imagine the impact and the stir that was happening with that much going on. I expect that Jesus healed each faithful person who desired healing. And as the word got out, I expect that hopes rose, and more and more came to Him for help. Today we would say that Jesus’ movement had a great kick-off. A great rollout. But Jesus was not looking for high commercial ratings or an Academy Award. Nor was He looking for an earthly crown. As the news of Jesus spread, they came, they received, and they expected more.

Jesus did not entrust himself to these other people – He knew their hearts. He knew their limited vision, which steered their expectations. I need to examine my own expectations to see what needs to be released since my expectations may limit my ability to see His truth and trust in His ways for provision. Jesus knows my feeble heart and my worldly desires, and He will never stop pointing me in the direction of the Father. Now is the moment to ask myself, will I give Him this part of my heart as well and trust His guidance? This is a decision I make over and over again as it becomes a pattern in my life. Each time I choose to trust in the Lord over circumstances, the pattern of trusting Jesus is firmer and stronger. I learn to discern and trust Jesus at work through my circumstances.

AN ASIDE

Yesterday, the sun shone very bright and gave wonderful warmth on a cold day. But, the bitter gusting wind was blowing away the effects of the sun’s warmth.

As I walked, I looked around at the many other walkers. This ‘northerner’ had on her warm winter hat with her coat buttoned up at the neck, regretting that she had left her gloves at home. A young woman wearing shorts without a hat or jacket hurried by me, a brave smile on her face. Others were in various states of preparation for the weather. It was as if some had gotten dressed based on the appearance of the bright sunshine, expecting a warm day. While it seemed others had heard the wind, looked at a thermometer, or perhaps seen the weather report, and worn jackets and hats, well prepared for their walk.

We walk in the light. The light that Jesus has brought into this world. It is a beautiful and perfect light. The light works deep into our soul and warms our hearts and minds. Yet while we are in the world, we must dress properly for the constantly changing winds of life. We are to dress in the spiritual armor God has provided for us. Am I spiritually dressed today, prepared for any weather? Are my head, eyes, and soul filled with the Light of His truth?

Lord, let me walk today in your light - dressed, and prepared for the ever-changing winds of this world that might blow my way. Thank you for the protection and covering you provide for me in your Word. Let me be dressed appropriately for today and every day. Remind me to take time to check the spiritual weather report, seek the covering you have provided, and wear it gratefully that your light might shine through me, reflecting Your glory and bringing praise and honor to Your Name.

Connie Hecker, MFA, is a Scenic Designer currently teaching at Liberty University. She is mom, stepmom, and grandmother of 13. Her “first career” was in interior and industrial design. Her “second” was as Manager of Operations and Maneuvers (note initials) in her extended family. Her ‘third’ is as a professor, and she looks forward to what God has in store as her “fourth.”