Day 10: Untrustworthy Popularity

Read: John 2:23-25 

Silly bands were really popular when I was in sixth grade. They were these little rubber bands that you wear on your wrist and that form shapes when you take them off. Practically everyone I went to school with had them. They were popular, so of course I had to have them too. I spent all of my money to keep up with the trend. The trend quickly faded and I quickly got rid of all (honestly, probably over 100) silly bands.  

There are always trends that people are going along with simply because they’re popular. People go along with fads to fit in. We need this brand, this haircut, and to watch this show so that we can belong in society. 

Jesus was gaining popularity during the events of John 2. He had a huge group of admirers and countless supporters. Verse 23 says, “Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing.” As Jesus was gaining popularity, He seemed to know it was superficial. These people were more likely just fans of Jesus rather than true followers of Him. They liked what He said, but weren’t ready to follow Him to the cross. 

Verses 24-25 says, “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.” He was well aware of what this group of people truly believed about Him. He knew their heart and intentions.  

From the outside, these people looked like committed followers of Jesus. They followed Him from town to town and listened to Him preach, but many were the same who would later yell, “Crucify Him!” Jesus knew their hearts and that they weren’t to be trusted.  

Jesus still knows the true intent of every human heart. It’s easy to hold on to our faith when it’s popular and exciting. It’s important though that we stand firm in our faith and stand up as true followers of God even when it isn’t popular, when we are being harassed or persecuted, and when the social norm strays away from His biblical teachings.  

We should not just be fans of God, people that seek Him when things are going well. We need to be true followers of God, seeking Him daily even when dark times come, and living out what he teaches. Jesus shouldn’t be a fad, but a deep relationship.  

Consider these questions: Are you confident to stand up for your faith? Are you simply a fan of God or are you all in, ready to follow Him? Pray that your relationship with God will deepen so that it stands beyond fads.