clear identification

Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.

John 12:42-43

Real faith in Jesus is not afraid to confess Him before others. John’s commentary on these Jewish authorities who were starting to secretly believe Jesus was Messiah is instructive for us on what motivates true saving faith. At least during Jesus’ Passion week, these people were not at all ready to publicly identify with Jesus. They wanted to believe Christ but not to a point that rocked their comfort zone.

All of this is told us in a broader context. Jesus has just invited a crowd that included Greek-speaking Jews to follow Him (John 12:26). He has announced His coming death and proclaimed it is for the glory of His Father (John 12:27). And the crowd has heard the literal audible voice of the Father speak out loud to them affirming Jesus (John 12:28-30). Jesus clearly announced to them that His redeeming death will draw the world to Him (John 12:30-36). Given the crowd, it would be sure to include some of these “authorities” mentioned in verse 42. They were among those who had just experienced all these things.

And despite an encounter with the voice of the Father… despite Jesus’ clear declaration of coming to save the world… they still feared people more than God. They wanted to believe Jesus, but it would take more. We would begin to see that change occur after His death when both Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimethea would reveal themselves unashamedly as His followers.

If we follow Jesus, we cannot hide it. There are no “secret saints”. We cannot try to be loved by those who hate Jesus. It will not work. We are going to be hated. But when we are called out, criticized, or canceled for our love of Jesus, we take heart. The glory of God is bigger and best. We lose nothing! We gain our soul’s eternal delight in Jesus!