Even after Jesus had performed so many signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him. This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet: “Lord, who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” For this reason they could not believe, because, as Isaiah says elsewhere: “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, so they can neither see with their eyes, nor understand with their hearts, nor turn-and I would heal them.” Isaiah said this because he saw Jesus’ glory and spoke about him.
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; for they loved human praise more than praise from God.
Then Jesus cried out, “Whoever believed in me does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. The one who looks at me is seeing the one who sent me. I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.
If anyone hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; the very words I have spoken will condemn them at the last day. For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken. I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say.”
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They were more concerned about human praise than praise from God. Doesn’t that just sound dumb almost? Why would anyone think that way? I think the majority of people do think that way though. We put on masks to cover up our flaws…why? We pretend to be solid followers of Jesus when on the inside we are rebelling…why? We act like we walk in truth when in reality our faith is full of doubt…why? It’s because we care too much about the praise of people. When we are locked in on God…we will focus on His goodness and faithfulness. When we are locked in on God we won’t be masked…but will live in the freedom of His love. Who are you trying to fool today? Who are you trying to impress? Let us seek praise from God over praise from men.
A Journey With Jesus 