Nevertheless, even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him … for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

John 12:41-42 NKJV

I know a man who hated the chief of my town with a passion. Craftly, the chief appointed him as one of his spokespersons. The joy of his life now is the honor he has among the people. He never criticizes the chief for the conditions he condemned before his appointment. He has suffered a paralysis of praise of men. 

This is an ancient tool many leaders have used to subdue their critics and silenced opposition. Consequently, communities have been devastated by the very leaders who have championed opposition to tyrannical rule and poor governance. They have been silenced by recognition that has brought them wealth and visibility.

The apostle talks about the rejection of Jesus despite the many signs he did before the people (Jn. 12:37). He cites the people’s rejection as a fulfilment of Isaiah’s prophecies in chapters 53:1 and 6:10. Because the people would not believe the redemption story of the Lord, they had been given over to spiritual blindness and a hardening of their hearts to the Messiah (Jn. 12:38-41). The comment that follows is what saddens my heart.

“Nevertheless, even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue;for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God” (42-43).

Many today are under the same bondage of unbelief because, “the god of this age has blinded [them to] “the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God” (2 Cor 4:4). Yet, there are many who have come to know the truth of the gospel, but they are paralyzed by the praise they receive by maintaining the honor of their families, communities, academic associations, and positions in society. But who are they kidding? Before whom shall all humanity stand in judgment? Who rewards with the things that last for eternity?

O, that they may repent and believe!

Sadly, there are many who have confessed Christ as Lord, yet they cannot boldly take a stand for Him for the same reason – the praise of men. Peter fell into this trap in Antioch with the visiting circumcision team from Jerusalem. But, thank God Paul called him out. (Gal. 2:11-13).

God praised faithful Job for his righteousness (Job. 1:8). In heaven He will welcome the faithful with praise.  “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matt. 25:21).

I don’t know about you, but I will seek praise from God rather than the praise of men. For this “world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever” (1 Jn. 2:17).