John tells us many of the Pharisee rulers did believe that Jesus was the messiah. But they did not openly confess him because they were afraid of being kicked out of the synagogue. Then John gives us this sad commentary, “For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God” (John 12:43).
Following God can mean the loss of respect from some people. Occasionally it may even mean the loss of social position. Jesus said we must love him more than any other person, position or possession. Whenever there is a conflict between God’s ways and the ways of our family, friends, or society, we choose to respond as Jesus would (Mt 10:37-39; 1 John 1:6).
