Speak Up

But after his brothers had gone up to the feast, then he also went up, not publicly but in private. The Jews were looking for him at the feast, and saying, "Where is he?" And there was much muttering about him among the people. While some said, "He is a good man," others said, "No, he is leading the people astray." Yet for fear of the Jews no one spoke openly of him. - John 7:10-13

How comfortable are you speaking about your faith in Jesus Christ? In today's text, people have varying opinions about Jesus Christ. Some say, "He is a good man," while others accuse him of leading people astray. The interesting statement John makes is that people were afraid to speak up about Jesus Christ "for fear of the Jews." The opinions of the Jewish religious leaders were more important than being honest. I see a similar sentiment in our culture today. Many believers are silent about their faith as if they are ashamed of following Jesus. The Apostle Paul proudly boasts,

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek." - Romans 1:16

He understood the gospel as the power for salvation for all believers.

Brothers and sisters in Christ, is anything holding you back from speaking about Jesus? Know that Jesus Christ is the only way and the gospel with the power for salvation. Let us share the good news and what Christ is doing in our lives with those around us.