“Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on 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.”

– John 12:42-43, King James Version

Jesus is speaking to a group of people in John 12, and there are a bunch of people listening. Some of those people include the chief rulers of the people…and Jesus’ words are touching their heart. 

It’s a week before Passover, and Jesus is riding into Jerusalem on a donkey. People are bringing palm branches and claiming Christ is King. Word had spread that Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead, and many people came to see him. The Pharisees stood there and complained that the whole world was going insane and following Jesus. Jesus was talking about how He came to die in order to save the world, and that while He hoped that it would pass from Him, He knew that it was the reason He came, in order to glorify God’s name. After this, Jesus went away, and we’re given a brief synopsis of the people who remained.

The Bible says that the many people saw His miracles, and followed Him, actually did not believe in Him. There’s a difference between knowing that He did all of those miracles and believing that He had the power to do so and to save the world from their sins. 

However, many of the chief rulers who heard believed in Him..but they didn’t announce it. Because the Pharisees were so judgemental and self righteous, they knew that if they admitted it, they would be cast out of their role in the synagogue. 

Being a chief ruler of the synagogue was a very prestigious position in those times. These people were very influential, wealthy, and respected members of society (remember Jairus in Mark 5?). For them to admit that they believed in Jesus would have been to announce to the world that they were insane. They weren’t willing to risk their position, their status, or their position in life. They loved the praise of men more than they loved the praise of God. 

Who’s praise do you seek more in life? Do you seek the praise of your family, friends, and coworkers more? Or do you seek God’s praise?

“I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.”

– John 12:46-48, King James Version

If you are not 100% sure that you’ll go to Heaven when you die, now is the time to repent and put your trust in Jesus Christ. If you have any questions or doubts about your salvation, click here to learn how you can be saved!

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