12:42
We see here another side to belief. There were some even among the religious leaders who “believed” in Jesus. However, because of their fear of the Pharisees they did not admit openly to their belief. The fear of the Pharisees was real because they could have someone put out of the synagogue, and since the synagogue was such a pivotal part of societal life this could have a profound effect. So what was the nature of their “belief”? It seems most likely that it meant that they accepted the claims that Jesus was making, they at least recognised that He was from God. However, this belief was not strong enough or deep enough so that they would confess this belief in the face of opposition from the Pharisees.
12:43
John now puts the matter clearly. “They loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God”. In terms of the religious types who “believed” in Jesus, they feared the Pharisees more than they feared God. In Matt 10:33 Jesus has very strong words to say about this, “whoever denies me before men, I will deny before my Father who is in heaven”. One of the root meanings of “glory” is “weight” in the sense of significance. We face a key question, who do we think has the greatest influence or impact on our lives, man or God? Or perhaps to use more Biblical language, who do we fear? In parts of the world this is a fundamental question. In the West it is one that is becoming more pertinent as our societies become increasingly anti-Christian.
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