Rejection does not feel good. It is especially difficult when we are offering good news to others. Our initial response might be to lash out in anger and hurt, or, perhaps, we attempt to force-feed the truth. Maybe our sadness overwhelms us and causes us to avoid the future possibility of rejection by remaining tight-lipped.
We need to remember that Jesus, Himself, was rejected. Not only can we find comfort in the fact that Jesus understands what we are facing, but we can also see a clear example of His response. Jesus’ mission on earth was not to judge. It was to save (v. 47). Those people who reject Jesus and the gospel will be judged one day (v. 48), but our concern should be the same as Jesus’ concern… speaking exactly what God the Father has commanded us to say and speak (v. 49).
Oh, what joy it is to bring the gospel to one who does accept it! For that soul, it is eternal life (v. 50). To bring good news was Jesus’ mission, and it should be ours as well. The absolute delight of bringing the good news to those whose hearts are ready and willing to hear it is the motivation that brings us to share God’s word with the next person we meet, even after we have been rejected. When we keep our focus on delivering God’s message to a world without hope, we can handle rejection just like Jesus.
- When people reject the gospel, how might it help you as a missionary to remember that they are not rejecting you, but are rejecting Jesus? When have you been tempted to judge someone who rejected the gospel? How can it change your perspective to remember that God is the judge?
- Jesus came to save the world, and He stayed on mission by being obedient to God, His Father. What are some areas of disobedience in your life that are keeping you from living missionally? What are some new ways you can be obedient to God as you reach out to a world without hope?
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