When he was in Jerusalem during the Passover festival, many believed in his name because they saw the signs that he was doing.  But Jesus on his part would not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people and needed no one to testify about anyone; for he himself knew what was in everyone.

Looking ahead to the miracle of the loaves (John 6.1-14) we see the same behavior: people following Jesus out of fascination with him as a wonder-worker.  Yet Jesus’ true longing is to give his own heart to ours – but we first must believe in who he is and ask for it: “work not for perishable food but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you” (John 6.27).  What is this “work?”  That we believe in Jesus whom God has sent (6.29).  This belief in him as the savior and as God’s son is naturally followed by a thirst for him, which prompts us to seek his presence in our hearts.  It is then that Jesus, the Son of God for whom our hearts have been made, will entrust himself to us.  Try to fathom this mystery: it is as if the infant Jesus, in need of everything, vulnerable to everything, is placed into our arms.  Who does such a thing except one with unspeakable trust and love, who desires the deepest intimacy?  This same Jesus, who warned the disciples not to cast pearls before swine, will not entrust himself to one whose heart will not believe.

But we cry out, “we believe, come Lord Jesus!”  He stands at the door, knocking.  We have only to answer. (Revelation 3.20)