After Jesus had said this, he departed and hid from them. (v. 36)Nevertheless, many, even of the authorities, believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they did not confess it, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue... (v. 42-43)
Why is everyone hiding? In Jesus' case, we can probably assume that it is yet again a case of "not yet his time," even this close to his death and resurrection. Burridge writes
Now this final dialogue with the people in Jerusalem after their procession of welcome has brought the interlude almost to an end. Warning that they will only have the light for 'a little while longer', Jesus left the stage and 'hid from them' (12:35-36). He will not appear in public again until the crucifixion. The light is temporarily eclipsed.
The evangelist, as narrator, turns to address his audience directly for the first time since the Prologue. Here, he reflects on what has happened, and tries to understand and explain it. (p. 160)
John quotes Isaiah to explain why Jesus is not accepted and then moves on to those who believe but don't come out in public. Why? Because they feared being expelled from the synagogue, which according to John, means that "they loved human glory more than the glory that comes from God" (v. 43).
Sort of like lbgt folks who stay hidden because they fear being expelled from their churches. Yet when they come out and claim their full inclusion in the Kingdom of God Jesus proclaims, they are accused of "loving human glory more than the glory that comes from God."
Hiding is done. It's time to move on to the next phase.
Peace,
Jeffri
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