LEARNING DAILY

John 12:42-43, 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 praises of men more than the praise of God.

One last thought on the discussion Jesus had with His disciples regarding believing in Him. There were many who did not believe in Him as the Messiah because their hearts had become hardened. There were others who did believe who He was but did not speak out about Him. Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea come to mind as Jewish leaders who believe in Jesus. They even took His body from the cross and laid it in a burial tomb. For the most part many who believed did not speak out boldly about Jesus and who He was because they were afraid of losing their position and respect among their peers. The Jewish leaders had made it quite clear that “anyone who confessed He was the Christ, he would be put out of the synagogue” (John 9:22). Men like the two mentioned kept their faith quiet.

I have been wrestling with the idea of “loving the praises of men more than the praise of God”. They feared being put out of the synagogue because their leaders did not recognize Jesus as the Messiah they had been looking for; He did not fit their expectations and presented a threat to their position and authority. Being put out of the synagogue would have been a great loss for the Jewish people of Jesus’ time on earth. The people and the leaders did not speak out boldly their beliefs because of their fear of rejection.

What would make you afraid of expressing or showing your faith in Jesus Christ? It seems to come down to “loving the praises of men more than the praise of God”. Are we afraid that people will ridicule us or think we are meek because of placing our faith in Jesus? Are the praises of people really that important to us that we fear their mocking? Would our position in life or our popularity be hurt because of our faith? The way the world is today, the answer to that question might be yes. Yet, another question must be asked. If one wants to truly honor God, how can the approval of mere mortal people be more important? God calls His followers to love Him without rival.

Before this becomes something that brings discouragement to anyone, it is a call to live your faith before men. Live according to the way Jesus tells us to live in the Word of God. Let the light of Jesus in you shine bright in a dark world. Be ready to tell others about the changes Jesus has brought in your life. Ready/study/meditate on the Word; study to show yourself approved (2 Timothy 2:15) in order to share truths of God’s Word. Believers must understand that people will either not want anything to do with them or the love of Jesus will draw people to them; commitment to Him should never waiver. Jesus is always the example for His followers when relating to others. There was never a question in His mind about the influence of popularity when it came to His purpose while on earth. He never shied away from speaking truth when faced by opposition, even when it meant he would be rejected by people.

That same commitment must be how Believers relate to others; our life is not to be about making a name for ourselves. Others may love us or hate us, rejecting us for the stand made for truth. We must choose to allow God to define who we are – not by other people.  

Let the word of Jesus found in the Sermon on the Mount be an encouragement to follow Him instead of desiring the praises of men. “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets before you.”