Which opinion?

Jesus did not do a whole lot of public ministry in the last week before his crucifixion. In the book of John, almost half the book is given to his last week, death and resurrection, and the time just before He ascends to Heaven. Makes that part sound pretty important doesn't it? But during Jesus' last week before his death, John describes some potent teachings by Jesus in 12:20-50.

Life can be hard at times. Nobody wants to be an outsider. Everyone wants to be liked. These are some pretty common cliche's that we hear, especially about the teenage years. And really, there are elements of truth to these things, but these are not everything. In this passage we see some Jews that believed in Jesus but would not confess it openly out of fear of their peers. John says it is because "they loved praise from men more than praise from God (43)." This is a dangerous spot to be in and Jesus gives them a warning about where their hearts were at in vs. 47 and 48 stating:

As for the person who hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge him. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save it. There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; that very word which I spoke will condemn him in the last day.

The person who is not willing to confess Christ in all situations has to check where his or her relationship with Christ is at. They may not experience any ill effects now, but there is a time coming. Where is your relationship with Christ? Is it hidden behind fear and people's opinions or is firmly placed in God's praise?