John 12:42

New International Version

Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue.

For Meditation

Many leaders have often employed the art of favored appointments to raise sycophants around them, silence their critics, and subdue opposition. These favorite appointees cannot speak out on critical issues when they matter, devastating communities and nations. It used to be a communist tool that Western nations condemned. But not anymore. The strongest critic of all the Western countries has now become the worst offender of this manipulative style of governance.

How the world turns!

However, the saddest and most fatal situation is when people hold back confessing Jesus as Lord and Savior because of intimidation or for any other reason. They know Jesus is the only Savior and Lord, and declaring one’s faith in Him is eternal life. However, they hold back for family honor, community status, academic societies, or the denial of privilege.

The apostle John 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 fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophesies (Isa. 53:1; 6:10). Because the people would not believe the redemption story, God gave them over to spiritual blindness and a hardening of their hearts to the Messiah (Jn. 12:38-41).

Disturbing as that is, it is the comment that follows that saddens most. “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). It shows how powerful the Pharisees were, and how their influence often led people to prioritize their approval over that of God.

Whatever the bondage, unbelief has one primary cause—spiritual blindness, a condition that separates many from the light of the gospel and leads to dire consequences. 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, many know the truth of the gospel but would not confess Jesus as Savior because they prefer human praise to eternal favor with God. 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, many have confessed Christ as Lord, yet they cannot take a stand for Him for the same reasons—fear, position, tradition, and 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). Ultimately, His approval is the most important for eternity.

Shalom

Pray with Me

Deliver me from the fear of men, O Lord, and grant me the boldness to confess you before all people, great and small, everywhere, and anytime. You deserve the glory for who you are and have made me in Christ. May it not be that I will refuse to confess you for any reason. Thank you, in Jesus’ name I pray, amen!