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 Nevertheless even
of the rulers many believed on him: but because of the Pharisees they did not confess it, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: for they loved the glory of
men more than the glory that is of God. (Jn. 12:42,43)
“Even of the rulers”— even among the elite Sanhedrin were many who believed on Christ. Speculation about whether
they actually believed only reflects
on the skeptic’s faith, not the rulers’. God says they believed and for believers, that’s enough. But “they did
not confess it”, and herein lies their great sin. It was not so much what they did as what they failed to do. Their
faith indicates knowledge. They knew, yet still would not confess and follow Christ. Why: What power, what influence
could be so compelling as to cause believers to turn their backs on the Saviour and salvation? We are not left
to wonder.
It was “because of the Pharisees”. The One who knows all hearts shows their weakness as loving
the glory of men more than the glory of God. To them, getting along with men (gaining their favor and avoiding
their disfavor) had priority over pleasing God. These were not men to allow such things as truth and right
to interfere with their religion! While these Pharisees no longer exist as a religious sect, they are still very
much in evidence as they represent those whom men strive to please more than God. “Because of
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the
Pharisees” many of all ages have proved themselves to be as these rulers — found wanting at a crucial time; succumbing
to pressures and circumstances.
"Because of the
Pharisees” Pilate delivered up Christ to be crucified, “wishing to content the multitude” (Mk. 15:15). It was for
the same reason that Peter followed Christ from afar, denied Him with cursing and swearing and said, “I know
not the man”. He later showed the same weakness in Antioch by withdrawing from the Gentiles, “fearing them that
were of the circumcision” (Gal. 2:12).
Fear and favor of the “Pharisees” continues to flavor the religion of many. It has influenced
the revision and updating of Catholic and
denominational creeds. It promotes watered— down preaching and encourages the “fear of offending” phobia. As the
rulers, many have learned the way
of truth, but “because of the Pharisees” will not embrace it. Even among the brethren are some who prefer to stay
with the “synagogue” rather than to stand for what they know to he right. No “Pharisee” should he allowed to determine
where I shall spend eternity! “For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? or am I striving to please men?...”
Dan S. Shipley
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