John 12 - What does it mean to believe?

R.A.M.P. (READ-APPLY-MEMORIZE-PRAY)This is what I READ:Many people were leaving the religious leaders and believing in Jesus. As a result the religious leaders wanted to kill both Jesus and Lazarus (10-11).Still most people still did not believe, despite the miraculous signs that Jesus did. This fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy (vs 37-40).Some Jewish leaders believed, but wouldn’t admit it because they were afraid. They loved human praise more than the praise of God (vs 42-43).The New Testament wasn’t written in English. It was written in a form of Koine Greek. The reason we have many different translations of the Bible (including the New Living Translation) is that sometimes words and thoughts don’t always translate clearly into English. I’m grateful for those who have dedicated their lives to translate God’s Word!In John 12, we see 8 uses of a specific Greek word “πιστεύω” (*pisteuō*). In English, it is translated “believe” or “trust.” I included a few mentions in the bullet points above. This word means: “to think to be true, to be persuaded of, to credit, place confidence in.” We see belief at work in three different ways in this chapter: Some people chose to “believe in” or “trust” Jesus. They saw His miracles and they decided that He was true. They were persuaded that He was sent from God. They placed their confidence in Him as their Savior.Others did not believe. They saw the miracles and they made the decision that He was not true. They did not believe He was sent from God. They did not put their confidence in Him.Perhaps most interesting is the third group. There were some Jewish leaders who did believe, but they wouldn’t admit it because they were afraid of what they might lose if the word got out. The Bible provides the commentary that they loved their popularity more than they loved praise from God.APPLY: Publicly praising Jesus is something that God praises! The Jewish leaders wouldn’t do it because they were fearful. Are there times I’m afraid of aligning myself with Him? MEDITATE:Romans 1:16 - “For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes [πιστεύω (*pisteuō*)] - the Jew first and also the Gentile. PRAY: I’m praying for you to have boldness today - and that God will give you opportunities to tell others how awesome He is!