“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).

The Lord Jesus is coming to the conclusion of his public ministry before He would go to the cross. John makes an interesting statement about the level of commitment that some of the chief rulers were making. They did believe on Christ and yet failed to confess Him because of their love of the praise of men. Whether these individuals were truly redeemed or not, I do not know.  But their actions are noteworthy. They seem to know the truth, and yet they were unwilling to pay any kind of sacrifice to act on it. Today may we overcome any kind of situation that would hold us back from being willing to sacrifice for the Lord Jesus. Whether it is the love of being praised or the fear that may develop, may we truly live and speak of Him in a way that is worthy of His great name!

For today: May the words of my mouth and the actions of my life truly confess that Christ Jesus is my Lord and Savior.