LEARNING DAILY

John 12:42-43, Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but 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.

Jesus had performed many miracles, healings, and demonic deliverances (such as the written about in the last page of the blog); He had done so throughout Israel. Israel, as a nation, had pretty much rejected Jesus as their Messiah. John wrote “Nevertheless” to tell the reader that the rejection of Jesus was not universal, meaning that not everyone chose to reject Him and His teachings. Because of what people saw Him do and heard Him say, many chose to follow Him, secretly. Included with these were some religious leaders.

One leader came to Jesus at night to talk to Him – Nicodemus (John 3). Another leader who was a “secret” disciple of Jesus was Joseph of Arimathea (John 19:38). Nicodemus spoke before the Pharisees (John 7:50-51) which might indicate there were others who were willing to at least consider what Jesus was saying. Yet, they were “secret” disciples, who were afraid to speak out, confess their faith for fear of being put out of the synagogue. After Jesus had given a blind man (from birth) His sight. The Pharisees were questioning the parents about what was done, on a Sabbath; John writes in 9:22, “His parents said these things because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had agreed already that if anyone confessed that He was the Christ, he would be put out of the synagogue.” What was the problem? The parents, the religious leaders were afraid of losing their position, the respect from their peers, and being removed from their place of worship kept them from speaking honestly and even boldly about their belief and their faith about following Jesus.

They just kept quiet! Neither Nicodemus nor Joseph of Arimathea were willing to speak openly about their faith. John does not call out these men specifically, but he does write about why people then, and today, do not share their faith in Jesus, “for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God”. “Because they love the approval of their fellow human beings, many sacrifice their convictions and act contrary to their consciences” (Life in the Spirit Study Bible). To be put out of the synagogue in at this time was a huge loss for people.

This is not meant to be any form of condemnation. The issue for Believers today is the fear to stand for our belief in Jesus Christ when faced with opportunities to share our faith. I’m writing about, “If anyone desires to come to Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me” (Luke 9:23). I’m not talking about getting on a street corner and telling everyone to repent; I realize that the Holy Spirit leads a Believer to speak and to just stay silent. I’m writing to encourage Believer’s to, “let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). God’s approval is so much more important that seeking the approval of others. It is God’s desire that we walk the narrow way, loving Him without rival. Anything that interferes with Believer’s honoring Him becomes an idol and that includes the desire for popularity!

The two men mentioned above eventually were the ones who took the body of Jesus and laid it in the tomb. What is the secret of gaining victory over the fear of what others think and the desire for their praise? Again, it is faith – “the faith that sees God, heaven, hell, the judgment and eternity as ultimate realities” (Life in the Spirit Study Bible).