Baie mense, selfs van die Joodse leiers, was saam met Jesaja oortuig van hoe belangrik Jesus is. Stilletjies, op hulle eie, het hulle Jesus aanvaar. Hulle wou dit egter vir niemand sê nie, want hulle was bang. Hulle het koue voete gekry as hulle daaraan gedink het dat die Jode hulle uit hulle byeenkomste sou wegjaag en hulle sou verbied om weer daar te kom as hulle iets goeds van Jesus sou sê.
What Does This Mean?
This verse says that many important people believed in Jesus but didn't say so openly because they were afraid of being kicked out from the synagogue by the Pharisees.
Explained for Children
Imagine you really like a new kid at school, but your friends don’t. If you tell everyone how great this new kid is, you might not be allowed to play with your usual group anymore. That’s kind of what happened here: important people liked Jesus but didn't want to lose their place in the synagogue.
Historical Background
John wrote this Gospel around A.D. 90-100 for a Christian audience familiar with Jewish customs and beliefs. The Pharisees were strict religious leaders who controlled many aspects of life, including synagogue membership.
Living It Out Today
Sometimes we hold back from speaking our true beliefs because of fear. Consider the risks and benefits before deciding if it’s worth sharing what you believe, especially when it might affect your social standing or job.
Topics
belieffearsocial pressureconsequences of faithPhariseessynagogue