Many people did believe in Him, however, including some of the Jewish leaders. But they wouldn’t admit it for fear that the Pharisees would expel them from the synagogue.
John 12:42 (NLT)
Despite the fact that Jesus preached the kingdom of God and fulfilled all the prophecies attributed to Him in the Old Testament, the Jewish leaders refused to accept Him as the coming Messiah. Some did not want to lose their social position and the privileges that came with it. Others were afraid of being rejected or even excommunicated from the synagogue. Both groups placed too much importance on their self-esteem rather than the salvation that was offered to them in Jesus.
Considering the example of the Pharisees, and no doubt many other leaders with them, we can also consider the reality of Christians today who refuse to admit their faith in God and their belief in Jesus Christ, so as not to lose their place in their circle of friends or colleagues. They ignore Jesus’ warning that “Whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.”
Have you ever felt like you lack the courage to come out as a Christian for any reason? If so, ask yourself what is more important in this life than the grace of God in Jesus Christ. What He did for you at Calvary, no friend will do for you. No one can love you as God does; it was out of love for you that He gave His only Son on the cross. Don’t let anything in this world cause you to deny your faith in Jesus, for He is the only one you can count on in all circumstances.
May the grace and peace of God be with you all.
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