Rejection: Empathy from Our Lord

Did Jesus experience rejection when he was on the earth?
Yes. He was rejected by his brothers. None of them is included as a disciple prior to his crucifixion.

For even his own brothers did not believe in him. John 7.5

I would consider that to be rejection -- if my own sisters shook their heads at what I was all about.

Did His parents understand who he was and therefore accept Him as God?
Maybe. You do have to consider the story of Jesus going to the temple and teaching from the Scriptures as a young man. His parents didn't quite get that although Mary reflected on it intently.

"Why were you searching for me?" he asked. "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?" But they did not understand what he was saying to them. Luke 2:49-50

If I had headed off to pharmacy school and felt like my parents didn't understand my drive to be a pharmacist, I'm not sure I would have finished. Their acceptance of my calling was that important to me. So I can't imagine how Jesus felt when he realized that his parents were puzzled by his actions.

What about his disciples -- they were his biggest fans. But they turned their backs on him. Judas turned him in to the authorities. Peter denied he even knew him. Only one was at the foot of the cross when He died.

And the very people Jesus came to save rejected Him, calling for his crucifixion. How devastating to know that your Father's chosen people were so vehemently against you.

Why do I bring up all these instances?

• To show you that what you are feeling, if rejection is on your mind, is not something foreign to our Lord. He can relate so strongly to the devastation that rejection brings.And if you have given your life to Him, He is with you walking through this difficulty with you.
• To help you remember that Jesus was rejected even though he had done absolutely nothing wrong. Sometimes we are rejected because we've done things that are right in God's eyes but the people around us just don't see it that way. That means we are in really good company.

How, then, are we to live in the midst of rejection or criticism?

Who will harm you if you are deeply committed to what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear, or be disturbed, but honor the Messiah as Lord in your hearts. I Peter 3:15

 Be faithful to follow Him and to obey His precepts. The sting of rejection may remain, but at least you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you've done your best for Him.