John 5:31-45
In the short story "The Emporer's New Clothes", written by Hans Christian Andersen, two weaver's lead the emporer to believe that they can weave clothing invisible to those who are unfit for thier positions. The emporer likes this idea - those he should be rid of will be revealed. The weavers set to work and in time present their "suit" to the emporer. He looks in the mirror, but lo and behold - the clothing is invisible to him! Afraid to say anything, because he would be revealed as unfit, he parades about in his "new clothes". Those in his court praise the garments that they too are unable to see. It takes a child to declare the truth - the Emporer is indeed naked!
The praise of man might flatter the the one being praised, but it isn't always truth. We hear this person or that being lauded by the media one day - only to have the naked truth of a scandalous life revealed the next.
No wonder Jesus put little value on the praise of men. He knew the heart motives behind that praise. The religious leaders He is speaking to in this Scripture, "accepted praise from one another", but did not have the love of God in their hearts. They refused to believe that Jesus was the Messiah God had promised to send them. They chose to praise man, rather than believe the truth staring them in the face.
There is One worthy of our praise - and He is the only one whose praise is worth seeking. Jesus rebukes the religious leaders for making "no effort to obtain the praise that comes from the only God." To confess Christ may have brought them disgrace, loss of income or position. Praising the men that were ready to kill Christ would allow them to maintain all they held dear in life - even if these men were wrong.
How can we obtain the praise that comes from God? God is pleased when we acknowledge the true state of our lives - we are sinners; and believe that He has provided forgiveness and restoration to Him through Jesus Christ, His Son.
Are we willing to be like the child in the story who confesses the truth? Or will we lie to ourselves for the sake of life's comfort? Jesus gives us the choice.
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