What does John 2:23 mean?

Jesus would come to Jerusalem at least three times a year, as required for all Jewish males living in the area (Deuteronomy 16:16). The first of these required festivals was Passover, also called the Feast of Unleavened Bread. The second was Pentecost, or the Feast of Weeks. The third was Tabernacles, or the Feast of Booths.

After His resurrection, the disciples recognized Jesus' earlier prediction (John 2:19, 22). This was further proof of His message (Mark 10:34). In the same way, people in Jerusalem are beginning to see the evidence pointing to Jesus as the Messiah. In the gospel of John, there are seven specific "signs," or miracles, used to demonstrate that Jesus is God. Unfortunately, most would reject what they saw in Jesus.

A person's "name" is symbolic of their authority and power. This is why we use signatures—our names—for certifying important documents. Persons often follow through on orders "in the name of" a higher official. However, many of the people who "believed in [Jesus'] name" at this point of His ministry were only interested in the miracles, not the message (John 2:24). There is a colossal difference between knowing something is true and putting trust in what you know. Many who followed Jesus early on were looking for entertainment but weren't committed to His message. When His message becomes difficult, these shallow thrill-seekers will fall away (John 6:60–66).