Do you love the praise of man more than the praise of God? Many times that is exactly what we face in our daily lives. When given an opportunity to do something or think a certain way, are we more worried about what the “neighbors will say” or what God will say? Your knee jerk reaction to this question may be, of course, God’s approval is much more important. But then take a few minutes to think about situations in your life.
I am confident that you, like me, have often been a people pleaser. Your intentions are to please God, but when it comes down to it you are concerned about what others will think or say. In the case of the people in today’s reading, they were afraid to believe in Jesus. They didn’t want to be kicked out of the synagogue. That would be disgraceful, and who wants to fall out of grace with the community?
But God’s approval should be our guiding force. Why is it that we often rush on ahead without thinking about that? We know he can see everything we do, and he knows our hearts and minds even before we act. Are we ashamed of God or embarrassed to be his followers? Maybe we’re fearful like many in our reading today.
Our reading says “most of the people” did not believe. Despite seeing Jesus in person and watching the miracles happen before their eyes, they didn’t believe. It makes sense then that we still see a lot of disbelief today. Jesus is not here in front of us doing miracles and teaching about the truths of heaven in our presence. Or is he? We do have God’s word which includes all sorts of miracles and teachings. We can transport ourselves back through the pages of the Bible and see a very real Messiah walking among us.
We all have our own doubts and preconceived notions about things when it comes to our faith. Maybe it’s something we learned as a child. What we should listen to is Jesus. As this section of John comes to an end, Jesus tells us, “If you trust me, you are trusting not only me, but also God who sent me. For when you see me, you are seeing the one who sent me.” There should be no question who Jesus is. To see Jesus is to see the Father. Why is it so hard for people to believe? The words of Isaiah would lead us to believe that God has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts. Why would God do that?
So what happens when people don’t believe? Jesus had an answer for this, too. “But all who reject me and my message will be judged on the day of judgment by the truth I have spoken.” I don’t know about you, but I want to be one of Jesus’ “in crowd” folks. I don’t want to remain in the dark but want to see the truth in his light.
Jesus came into this world to save it, not to judge it. That’s what makes Jesus so appealing. He is truly a good friend full of love and grace. That’s what I’d like people to see me as. Loving and full of grace. I don’t want to ever judge others for what they do or don’t do. That’s their business with God. My mission is to love them like Jesus.
Let’s pray. Lord, thank you for the example you’ve given us. Help me to do a better job of loving others. If I start to judge them or wonder what they think about me, help me to leave those unhealthy thoughts behind. The only one I need to please is you, God. May my words and my actions bring a smile to your face. Thank you for all provisions and gifts you have given me to share with others. You are the one that matters, not the world. Keep me focused and alert. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
