John 12:42-43 “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: 43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.”
The rulers of the “synagogue” had a rule “that if any man did confess that he [Jesus] was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue” (John 9:22). Those put out of the “synagogue” were often treated as if they didn’t exist. Not only would they lose the fellowship of their friends and the opportunity to worship in the “synagogue”; they could also lose their livelihood, their standing in the community, and their own family might even forsake them. Here the Lord tells us that “they did not confess him” because “they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God”. In many areas of our public society today, it is not acceptable to openly “confess” that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior, the Son of the Living God, and truly God; so many do not for the fear of ridicule and ostracism. Also, open confession of Jesus Christ does not mean mixing just enough Jesus with my present life style that I might be considered a Christian; for, we are Commanded to “be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:2); that is, do not try to adjust Christ to fit your life, but change your life to a life of obedience to Christ! Making this change is not always easy! This is why our Lord tells us that “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross [suffer], and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24) and “Enter ye in at the strait [narrow with difficulties] gate” (Matthew 7:13). Let us pray that the Lord will move in the hearts and minds of His people in our day, so that all who “believe on him” will not hesitate, even in the face of troubles and disadvantages, to plainly and openly “confess him”, follow Him, and obey Him!