I just found a line in John 12:42-43 (ESV) that I don't ever remember reading:
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.
People believed in Jesus, but they weren't willing to go public with it because they were afraid of what it might do to their reputation. I wonder how true that is of people today. I'm sure there have been moments in my past when I wasn't quite as vocal with my faith, but I can't imagine keeping silent out of fear. Should we fear man more than God? Certainly not! But these authorities were more concerned with their public opinion polls than they were with following the One they believed was from God. I am reminded of a great quote from AW Tozer: "The meek man cares not at all who is greater than he, for he has long ago decided that the esteem of the world is not worth the effort."
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