John Chapter 12: Verses 42-44 (NLT)
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. For they loved human praise more than the praise of God.
Jesus shouted to the crowds, “If you trust me, you are trusting not only me, but also God who sent me.
Some of the religious leaders believed in Jesus but were afraid to admit it in case they were thrown out of their synagogues. They were more worried about people’s opinion of them than knowing that they had pleased the God they were supposed to be serving. At previous readings of these verses, I would have scorned their behaviour, but probably have never considered just how much it would have cost them to ‘go public’ with their beliefs – not only their status and people’s opinions, but also perhaps their livelihood and possibly even their family or friends, so perhaps I should not be so quick to point the finger if I put myself in their shoes.
However, that does not excuse them – because Jesus tells the crowd that by trusting Him they are also trusting also in God the Father. Would the Father undertake for these leaders if they found themselves in dire straits because of the stand they had taken for Jesus? Surely.
So, therefore, will He not also undertake for us if we take a stand for Christ in these days when the Christian faith is increasingly mocked? The answer is the same for us. Surely, yes! We, like those religious leaders, are without excuse, if we claim to be a Christian then we must trust Him and be prepared to take a stand no matter what. And perhaps also less judgemental on those who find that hard to do. Far better to pray for them instead.
Dear Lord,
I confess I am quick to judge others who falter in taking a stand, yet I expect understanding when I do so myself. Forgive me for this and for the times I have wavered. Help me to trust You, to be bold, and to be supportive of others who have wavered in the face of criticism, by praying that You might give both them and me the courage that we will increasingly need in these times. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.