Passion Week – Secret Believers

The Apostle John tells us, “Even after Jesus had done all these miraculous signs in their presence, they still would not believe him” … “Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved praise from men more than praise from God” John 12:37, & 42 – 43 NIV84, emphasis added.

We don’t know for certain who the leaders were, but there are two definite possibilities.  First, there was Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council, who came to see Jesus under the cover of darkness.  He freely admitted that Jesus was a teacher who had come from God, but he failed to comprehend who Jesus was.  Jesus was amazed that Nicodemus was a teacher but still failed to understand the Scriptures.  Jesus taught Nicodemus several crucial points that night, including God’s love for the world in sending His Son to die for those who believe, but there is no further comment from Nicodemus recorded. (John 3:1 – 21). 

Nicodemus may have been one of the leaders who believed, but the next time we hear about him is after Jesus’ death.  He joined a fellow Jewish leader, Joseph of Arimathea, in arranging for Jesus’ burial.  Joseph “was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jews” (John 19:38a NIV84). He had not agreed to the Jewish council’s condemnation of Jesus (Luke 23:50, 51), but there is nothing other than his actions to tell us what Nicodemus thought of Jesus. Two men, and possibly more, who had the training and the knowledge to understand prophecy and recognize Jesus as the promised Messiah.  Two men who loved the praise of men and the acceptance of society more than they loved the One who had come to save them. 

Verses 42 and 43 of John 12 are among the saddest in Scripture, but unfortunately, they are still often true today.  How often do we remain silent rather than risk ridicule or embarrassment?  As Christians, the same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives within us.  What do we have to fear? Where is the boldness of our convictions?  As we move closer to the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection, I pray that each of us will be free of our fears and put our faith and trust in Christ, that we may boldly proclaim His birth, death, and resurrection.  He lives!  Don’t keep it to yourself!

Read: John 12:37 – 43, John 19:38 – 40, & Luke 23:50 – 54.

Food for Thought:

• When was the last time you were bold for Christ?  What held you back?

• How does the power of the Holy Spirit give you the strength to proclaim the Gospel boldly?