The Well-Off and Weak-Kneed

by | Apr 22, 2020 | Salvation

“Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in Him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.” John 12:42-43

The woman was not filthy rich; she was just incredibly well-off.

Some of the other ladies in her church asked her to help the people who lived in the inner city of their community. It was an offer she declined. Her excuse was a simple one. She said she had struggled for a good many years and had no intention of going back and setting her foot in such a filthy location.

Not so long after, the incredibly well-off lady dropped her sapphire bracelet into a muddy gutter. Without any hesitation the incredibly well-off lady put her hand into the mud and picked up her jewelry. It was her friend who commented, “Oh, I understand now. It is not the filth that prevented you from helping the unfortunate souls of our city, but an unwillingness to help anyone whom you consider not worthy of your time.”

A similar criticism could be made of the leaders of Israel who believed in Jesus.

They knew Jesus wasn’t guilty. They knew lies were being told about Him. They knew Jesus was being railroaded to the cross. Even so, their faith in Jesus wasn’t strong enough to motivate them into action. They watched as God’s innocent Son was murdered, so we might have an abundant life. If these frightened followers of the Savior had raised their voices in support, maybe the events of Jesus’ suffering might not have been so one-sided.

But that was not God’s plan, was it? It would only be after Jesus was dead, that some of these secret supporters would find the courage to come forward. By then, it would be too late for Jesus. It would not, however, be too late for them.

You know, the world has always been populated by folks who are part of the silent majority. It makes no difference whether their silence is in the area of politics, morality or religion; it is there. This is why we who are weak-kneed need the Savior.

After all, Jesus lived, died and rose for the frightened and the fearful. He died so they might live their lives with courage and without fear.

THE PRAYER: Lord Jesus, the work You have given us is great indeed. Forgive us the many times we have taken the safe road rather than the path of courage. Help me to stop passing the buck and start standing up for You. Let Your approval be more important to me than that of the world. In Your Name I ask it. Amen.

Pastor Ken Klaus

Lutheran Hour Ministries All rights reserved; not to be duplicated without permission.

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The Well-Off and Weak-Kneed

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