John 2:23-25 CSB
While he was in Jerusalem during the Passover Festival, many believed in his name when they saw the signs he was doing. [24] Jesus, however, would not entrust himself to them, since he knew them all [25] and because he did not need anyone to testify about man; for he himself knew what was in man.
Jeremiah 17:9-10 CSB
The heart is more deceitful than anything else, and incurable-who can understand it? [10] I, the LORD, examine the mind, I test the heart to give to each according to his way, according to what his actions deserve.
Authentic Faith
It can be difficult to listen to the people in our lives who are honest with us—the ones who tell us the truth even when it hurts. Yet, those are often the moments when we grow the most. We all face times when we recognize a deficiency in our character but feel defeated by our inability to change it.
The breakthrough happens when we stop trying to “fix” ourselves and instead bare those hollow parts of our hearts to the Father. When we rely on the Holy Spirit and rest in His grace, the miraculous begins to happen. Of course, this isn’t always easy. Sometimes we fool ourselves; we say the right words, but secretly, we aren’t quite ready to let go of the things that hold us back. True victory in our Christian walk begins with absolute honesty—both with ourselves and with the Father.
The signs Jesus performed were intended to spark faith, but faith is often a seed that needs time and care to flourish. I have a small planter that I brought inside for the winter. It started as just a short stem, but after some research, I discovered it has the potential to become a beautiful bush. By giving it light and water, I am helping it survive the season so it can grow. Our faith is much the same. It isn’t always fully formed at the start; it needs to be nourished to reach its potential.
Jesus knows the heart of every person. He is the trusted Friend who intercedes for us and provides the Holy Spirit to guide our growth. Jesus knows us deep down. He knows when our intentions are pure and when we are being deceptive with ourselves. We see this clearly in how He approached different people.
There was Nicodemus, who had a faith that was primarily intellectual—he had the “head knowledge” of a scholar and recognized Jesus’ signs, but his heart hadn’t yet been transformed. Then there was the Samaritan woman at the well. Jesus knew her history and her need for a moral transformation. In both cases, Jesus didn’t just see their outward lives; He saw the truth within them.
Many today know the facts of the Bible, yet their hearts remain unchanged. The Father isn’t seeking those who simply agree with the data; He is seeking true faith that takes root in the heart. He wants more than our recognition; He wants our transformation. The measure of our faith isn’t found in a degree or a collection of facts. It is found in a heart that is open to the One who already knows everything inside it.
Reflection Questions
- Is there a “stem” of faith in your life that needs more “light and water” (prayer and Scripture) to grow into what God intended?
- Jesus knew the Samaritan woman’s past and Nicodemus’ doubts, yet He offered them both a path forward. How does that give you confidence today?
- Who is a “trusted friend” in your life who can be honest with you about your growth?
Prayer
Father,
You alone search the heart and understand our motives. We thank You that even though You see our deceitful parts and our secret struggles, You do not turn away. We ask for the courage to be completely honest with ourselves today. Help us to stop hiding behind what we know and start resting in Your grace. Nourish the seed of faith within us so that we may grow into the people You created us to be.
Amen.
