Thursday 22nd August
Read John 12:42-43
“Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved human praise more than praise from God.” (NIVUK)
These are sobering words indeed. At first glance John seems to be presenting an exception to the general rule that Jews persisted in unbelief. There were some leaders who believed, albeit secretly, but if they did then many of the ordinary folk might also.
But Johns’ final verdict on such ‘belief’ was that it was insufficient and inadequate. True belief fears God, obeys Him and loves Him. Spurious belief falls short. The love of men and their praise precludes saving belief in Jesus.
John is warning people that a choice must be made. In doing so he is saying nothing more than Jesus Himself said, “How can you believe since you accept glory from one another but do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?” (John 5:44) (NIVUK).
In saying all of this, John and Jesus are saying that ultimately true belief ‘comes from above’. When Jesus rebukes those who seek praise from men, He does so because they fail to acknowledge He is sent from above, from outside.
James says much the same thing in his short letter to those wrestling with doubt. He warns them not to be ‘double-minded’ but to ask for in faith, for ‘every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.’ (James 1:17-18) (NIVUK). Which is what Jesus will also now say, having the final word… (John 12:44-50).
