Moving to Belief

John 12.42-46

⁴² Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him.  But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; ⁴³ for they loved human praise more than praise from God.  ⁴⁴ Then Jesus cried out, “Whoever believes in me does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me.  ⁴⁵ The one who looks at me is seeing the one who sent me.  ⁴⁶ I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.

Later we see the belief in some becoming more open.  Joseph of Arimathea will take part in the burial of Jesus.  Nicodemus has come at the beginning of the gospel and will come with Joseph.  Then among other Pharisees we will see Saul, becoming Paul as he meets Jesus on the road.  Moving from opposing the gospel and the church to leading the church and spreading the Gospel of Jesus.

It is not a denial of their belief when we hear John state their fear.  John tells us that these leaders believed in Jesus.  It can take time to move from our fears to an open faith that we show to the world.  Even without the fears of being removed from Synagogues – or of imprisonment, rejection of family, persecution others experience today – we see that we can struggle to be open about faith for fear of simple rejection, or ridicule of others. 

Out encouragement today comes as we see that over time we see the open faith of Joseph and Nicodemus, the transformation of Saul/Paul.  We see that God is gracious and patient with us.  Bringing us along at our own pace to a deeper faith.  Giving us grace to accept the faith of others when it seems to go slower than ours, or seems to quickly pass us by. 

It isn’t a competition to see who gets somewhere first.  It is a common experience of believing in Jesus as Lord and Saviour and being encouraged in faith, as we encourage the faith of others.  It is not a judgment of those who struggle to openly live out faith or a pedestal to honour someone who excels as open faith.  We live out our faith in the community of others who also believe.  We live out faith in the community of others who may not yet believe.  We live in faith and we live from that faith.  Believing always that Jesus is Lord and Saviour for all.

Song – When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

Prayer

Lord Jesus, like Judas, we have betrayed you; like Peter, we have denied you; and like the other disciples, we have forsaken you.  Yet you remain faithful to us unto death, even death on a cross.  We plead for your forgiveness and mercy.  And we ask that you strengthen us so that we do not turn aside but follow you to the very end — for the final victory belongs to you.  Amen.