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 believes 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.”
—John 12:42-50

~~~~~

Faith Isn’t Private
By Jennifer Kane

Faith
is not a whisper tucked
into the corners of the soul.
It is a flame—
meant to rise,
to warm others,
to be seen.

Mary knew.
She knelt in a room full of men,
broke the jar,
poured her worship in perfume
and silence
and tears.
She did not ask permission
to love her Savior out loud.

The crowd knew.
Palms lifted high,
Hosannas tumbling from dusty streets
as the King rode in—
unashamed,
unhidden.

But others—
they believed in secret.
Eyes on the synagogue,
ears tuned to the Pharisees,
hearts clutched by fear.
They followed the Light
but stayed in the shadows.

And Jesus—
He did not soften His call.
He did not say,
“It’s fine to love Me quietly.”
He said,
Step into the light.
Walk with Me in daylight.
Do not fear what men will say.
Do not hide the hope you carry.

To follow Him
is to be seen.
To belong to Him
is to belong to His people.
To trust Him
is to say it,
live it,
wear it like a garment
that cannot be turned inside out.

What use is a faith
that cannot speak
when the world shouts?

What good is light
if it never leaves the lantern?

Jesus did not shrink
from the cross.
So I—
will not shrink
from His name
on my lips,
in my life,
before my friends,
my enemies,
my church,
my world.

Let them see.
Let them know.
Let them wonder at a love
so bold
it will not hide.

~~~~~

Scripture: John 12:1-50

John 12 is filled with people responding to Jesus in very different ways—some honoring Him with costly devotion, others plotting His death, and still others believing silently but secretly. This tension between personal faith and public witness is at the heart of this chapter. And it speaks directly to us today.

Faith begins in the heart, but it cannot stay hidden there. Jesus calls us to trust Him personally, but He also commands us to confess Him publicly.

Mary anointed Jesus in front of others (vv. 1–8), not caring what anyone thought. The crowds shouted praise as Jesus entered Jerusalem (vv. 12–13). Yet even as some Jews believed in Him, they kept it secret, afraid of losing their place in society (vv. 42–43). Jesus responds not by softening the call but by stating plainly:
“Whoever believes in me does not believe in me only, but in 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.” (vv. 44, 46)

To stay silent is to stay in the shadows. True faith brings us into the light—into community, into confession, and into courage.

When we believe in Jesus, He calls us out of secrecy and into fellowship. One mark of genuine saving faith is the willingness to identify with Christ publicly—through our words, our lifestyle, baptism, and commitment to His people, the church. If we are ashamed to be seen with Jesus, it’s worth asking whether we really know Him.

Have you confessed Jesus openly, or are you still hiding your faith?
What fears hold you back—fear of rejection, discomfort, or loss?
Are you part of a local church where your faith can be strengthened and seen?

~~~~~

Lord Jesus, You did not shrink back from the cross. Help me not to shrink back from declaring my faith. Give me courage to step into the light and to walk with You openly—before my family, my friends, my coworkers, and in my church. May my life be a testimony that I belong to You. Amen

July 7 2025