What Jesus Did! 'The Idol of Popularity' — John 12:42-43

Thursday, September 1, 2022

Many people did believe in [Jesus], however, including some of the Jewish leaders. But they wouldn't admit it for fear that the Pharisees would expel them from the synagogue. For they loved human praise more than the praise of God.
— John 12:42-43 NLT

Key Thought

What would make you afraid to show your faith? To lose one's place in the synagogue was a huge loss for someone in Jesus' day. While we rightfully are disgusted with the lack of courage and integrity by those mentioned in these verses, we need to ask ourselves how often have we failed to stand up for Jesus when the stakes were even lower. The real issue with fear and faith is our confidence in what we believe. If we truly believe in Jesus, how could we give him up? If we truly want to honor God, then how could the approval of mere mortal people become more important? God calls us to love him without a rival. Anything that interferes with our honoring God becomes our idol, even if it is the fear of rejection or the desire for popularity.

Today's Prayer

Father, give me the courage to stand up and confess my faith in Jesus with graciousness. I truly believe that you sent Jesus to die for my sins and give me power over sin and death. Regardless of other people's acceptance or rejection of me because of my faith, please help me live that faith before the people with whom I interact. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

3 Related Resources by Heartlight

People Pleasing
Article by Tim Archer
Do you care what everyone thinks of you? We need to be willing to put our faith in God, even when it's not popular to do so. We need to be willing to stand up for what's right, no matter what others may say. We need to seek the glory that comes from God rather than the praise of men.
Navigating Political Minefields
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Precious One, Each of My disciples is precious to Me. I hate for any of them to have to go through unfair trials and difficulties...."
Casting Out the Evil Prince
Illustration of John 12:31-46
Inspirational illustration of John 12:31-46 -- Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.

Illustration

Illustration of John 12:42-43 NLT — For they loved human praise more than the praise of God.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Thursday, September 1, 2022

Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'No Need of the Sun!' (Is. 60:19-20)
"No longer will you need the sun to shine by day, nor the moon to give its light by night, for the Lord your God will be your everlasting light, and..."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: 2 Samuel 23:5
"This covenant is divine in its origin. "HE hath made with me an everlasting covenant." Oh that great word HE! Stop, my soul. God, the everlasting..."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Filled to Prophesy' (Lk. 1:67)
"[John the Baptizer's] father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied: ..."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Curb Your Ego – Measure Yourself by Faith'
"Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in..."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!