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"Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did.But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men,And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man." (John 2:23-25)This was the first Passover Feast of Jesus' earthly ministry. He had been going every year, but now the Spirit had directed Him to do miraculous things to confirm the words that He spoke. The Jews believed that miracles authenticated the ministry of the prophet. In Jesus' case, He would do miracles that were beyond the scope of any prophet and some which were signs of being the Messiah.Though the people believed in Him, He did not commit or entrust Himself to them. He understood the nature of man. Since the Spirit had not been poured out, Jesus knew He could count on man to be self-centered and treacherous. The Old Testament tells us that if we place our trust in man, we put ourselves under a curse (Jeremiah 17:5). Jesus was following the agenda of the Holy Spirit, not that of man. He committed Himself to God alone, yet He knew the potential for God's image in man to be restored.Jesus did not need to learn from experience that men are evil. He knew from the time of being conscious of His condition as the Son of God in human form. When He found Himself in the fashion of a man, He humbled himself and became obedient to the Father. (Philippians 2:8) Yes, Jesus knows our nature, and we need to understand this lesson that even the best men are men at best. Even Spirit filled men can fall. We've certainly witnessed that over the years. Our trust and hope must be in God alone. We should love one another, fellowship, and work together with our brothers, but ultimately, we commit ourselves to the Father. Jesus is the head of the body, and He alone can give us our instructions. We must obey Him above all the leading, programs, and schemes of men.Knowing what is in mankind also means knowing what is in us as well. We need to follow the Apostle Paul's example of keeping my body submitted to the will of God by dying daily (1 Corinthians 15:31). It is important for us to understand what is in man. It keeps us looking to the right source, and it guards our hearts against making men into idols. Many Christians today love to put Pastors and Evangelists on a pedestal. Then what happens if that one on a pedestal falls into sin? That adoring Christain goes all to pieces may give up or maybe go off the deep end and wind up in some deep depression. Friends, let's just keep trusting the Lord. For He is our faithful one Who will never fall or fail!