But despite all the miraculous signs Jesus had done, most of the people still did not believe in him. 

Many people did believe in him, however, including some of the Jewish leaders. But they wouldn't admit it for fear that the Pharisees would expel them from the synagogue. For they loved human praise more than the praise of God.

John 12:37, 42-43 NLT

The week before Jesus death, the week before the first Easter, all the signs had been seen, miracles done, and still only some believed in Jesus.

And some were afraid of what those in power might say or do.

And some just loved the praise of people more.

And as I sit with the responses of the people on that week before Easter, there are strands of them in my own heart. 

Belief, doubt, fear of what others think of me, what they might say or do, and the desire to be accepted. To belong. 

We all want to be accepted. 

And yet the desire to be accepted by people they were missing Jesus who was right there in front of them. 

In wanting the praise of people they were missing the loving arms of the Eternal, the One who saw them from before time, and loved them.

"Father in heaven, today I don't want my stuff, my desires, my doubts, my fears to get in the way of seeing Jesus. 

Amen."

#dangerousprayers

#easter

#jesusatthecentre