There are some men who are affected in some measure by the word of the cross. They agree with it in principle, yet their hearts are never won by it. These Jews in our text were satisfied that the Lord Jesus Christ was who He said He was, yet they would not forsake all and follow Him. A faith which does not "confess" Christ is not saving faith. These knew they would lose their respected place if they confessed Him, because the hierarchy had already stated that if any man did confess He was Christ he should be put out of the synagogue John 9:22).
They were governed by self-interest and so were "fearful", and what happens to those who are afraid to confess the Lord Jesus? (Rev.21:8 "The fearful shall have their part in the lake of fire.")
The confessing of Christ means the real Christ, the sovereign, effectual King; and they knew men would not praise them for confessing HIM.
So they preferred the good opinion of men rather than God's approval. This is one worm praising another worm. Can you imagine in the hour of judgement having worms speaking for you? Can you imagine a bunch of squirming maggots in the dung heap telling one another how fine they look?
This seems repulsive, but we cannot have the good will of men and the good will of God; for if a man seeks honor from men, he cannot believe on the Christ of scripture. John 5:44 "How can ye believe, which receive honor one of another and seek not the honor which cometh from God only?")
When I come before the sovereign Master, I do not want a worm of a man to present me to Him. Rather I would have HIM who is equal with God, yea, even God Himself. My Advocate shall be the Christ, the One that the Father is well pleased with. The praise of men in that day will not avail. Keep you I praise, O vain worms of the earth. What you think of me matters nothing.