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

Expectations. We all have them. Disappointments. We all have them. We expect things out of other people and they let us down. Others expect things out of us and we let them down. We can all relate to the feeling we get when realize that suddenly a person or group of people no longer care about us as much as they once claimed to have cared. They had expectations of how they thought you would be and you did not live up to those expectations. So, at best they tolerate you, at worst they cast you aside. We have all felt that pain.

Prior to the verses above, Jesus had done some miraculous things. He had turned water into wine. He had run the money-hungry charlatans out of the temple. He had performed many signs and wonders and His fame was beginning to spread. In addition, His following was beginning to grow. Jesus was fast becoming the fashionable, popular cultural icon of His day. People were flocking to Him, following Him, becoming His disciples, but He wasn’t caught up in His own celebrity. He didn’t become dependent – emotionally, physically, spiritually – on His followers. He didn’t need their affirmation. In fact, we see that because He knew human nature, He was cautious with them. He knew that only a precious few of those who now followed Him would be there at the bitter end. Most would just go back to their daily life, leaving behind the zeal they once had for this “revolution.” Others would become His enemies. Offended by His teachings, they would change sides and try to silence Him. He knew what they were on the inside and knew that He could not depend on their support.

Let me draw out a couple of applications. First, we must be careful how much stake we put in the approval and affirmation of others. Let’s face it, there are only a very few people in this world – some family members and some close friends – who are going to love us unconditionally. There is really only One – Jesus – whose affirmation matters and interestingly His affirmation is the easiest to come by. Try reading Romans 8:28-39 and see how affirmed you feel. WOW, I love those verses.

Last application. If you were standing in that crowd implied in John 2:23-25, and knowing that Jesus knew what was in your heart, would you be one on whom He could depend? Are you faithful to Him? Or, are you quick to return to the everyday routine of your life, leaving behind the revolution He wants to bring about in you and around you? I am sure you are like me . . . some days are better than others. Some days you are more revolutionary, other days you are more routine. Thankfully, He knows our heart, knows what we are made of. He does not DEPEND on us, but He still DESIRES us. He still wants a relationship with us. Praise be to Him for His unconditional love and acceptance.