John 12:43

43 When push came to shove they cared more for human approval than for God's glory.

John 12:43 Meaning and Commentary

John 12:43

For they loved the praise of men
To be in the esteem of men, to have their applause, and receive honour from them:

more than the praise of God;
than either to receive honour from him, and be praised by him, or to praise and glorify him. By confessing Christ they knew they should run the risk of losing their places of honour and profit, and of falling under the disgrace and contempt of men; and therefore they chose rather not to confess Christ, than by so doing to glorify God, and please him, and be praised by him, as all the faithful professors of Christ will be at the last day; for then every such an one will have praise of God, and it will be said, well done good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of thy Lord.

John 12:43 In-Context

41 Isaiah said these things after he got a glimpse of God's cascading brightness that would pour through the Messiah.

42 On the other hand, a considerable number from the ranks of the leaders did believe. But because of the Pharisees, they didn't come out in the open with it. They were afraid of getting kicked out of the meeting place.

43 When push came to shove they cared more for human approval than for God's glory.

44 Jesus summed it all up when he cried out, "Whoever believes in me, believes not just in me but in the One who sent me.

45 Whoever looks at me is looking, in fact, at the One who sent me.