Let’s focus on verse 42 here. Some who saw did believe Jesus was the Son of God. They believed, but they stayed silent out of fear of being banned from what was familiar.

Let’s say you had a friend who only was your friend in private but acted like you didn’t exist when in public. How would you feel? This is exactly what these “closet followers” were doing to Jesus. Being a Christian—a true Christian—is a commitment. Yes, there could be consequences such as not being welcome in some places anymore, but you know what? Earthly places, no matter how elaborate or “fun,” are temporary. Jesus offers the eternal: a place with Him in Heaven. He sacrificed all for us. Shouldn’t we be willing to be inconvenienced for Him?