What does the Bible mean when it says that Jesus knew what was in man, so He did not commit Himself to them?

on Aug 10, 2026

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: What does the Bible mean when it says that Jesus knew what was in man, so He did not commit Himself to them? I thought Jesus accepted everyone. – F.B.

A: Many people excuse their behavior and their way of life saying that other people are doing the same thing and getting away with it. The Bible addressed such futile thinking. Many people said they believed in Jesus when they saw His miracles and spoke such powerful words. But Jesus knew they were just following Him to see His works. “Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men [people]” (see John 2:23–25, NKJV). He knew their “believing” wasn’t genuine. The word believe can be a tricky word. It means giving it your full confidence and trust.

Charles Blondin, the famous French tightrope walker of the 1800s, came to the United States and crossed above Niagara Falls several times on a tightrope. He even rolled a wheelbarrow across that gorge on a tightrope. The famous story goes that afterward he asked the crowd if they believed he could roll the wheelbarrow across with a man in it, and the crowd cheered – yes. He asked one man standing there, “Do you believe I can do it?” “Oh yes, sir, I do.” Blondin said, “All right, would you be the first?” The man said, “Oh no, no, no.” You see, he didn’t really believe it all the way.

Many people profess Christ as their Lord, but they don’t possess Christ. Many do good things in the name of the Lord, but they are not part of Him. He knows those who belong to Him – He knows those who really trust in Him.

Jesus receives sinners who humbly repent, acknowledge their sin, and desire to follow Him in obedience. We must come clean before Christ, for He alone knows the motive of the heart.

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)