Even though Jesus “performed…many signs,” many were simply “not believing in Him” (John 12:37). Jesus pointed out that this fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy about those who were blind and hard-hearted and would not be converted (John 12:40).
However, there were some who believed. In fact, John noted that “many…of the rulers believed in Him” (John 12:42). This would be commendable if not for what was said next: “But because of the Pharisees they were not confessing Him, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the approval of men rather than the approval of God” (John 12:42-43).
Recognizing the facts about Jesus and acknowledging His identity is one thing. However, even the demons did this (cf. James 2:19). Yet it takes much more courage to confess one’s belief openly. The rulers were not willing to do this because they valued the approval of men more than the approval of God. Because of this, their belief in Christ would do them no good. Jesus said elsewhere, “Whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 10:33).
So seek God’s approval. Only He can provide us with the hope of eternal life. If we abandon Him to win the approval of those in the world, we will suffer the same fate as them.