Four Ways Jesus Handled Rejection
The TV program, "American Idol," has launched another season with a new chorus of star-struck hopefuls performing under the baleful gaze of Simon Cowell, who has raised rejection to an art form. But their discomfiture pales in comparison to the rejection Jesus experienced in His lifetime
Jesus Was Rejected By Friends
From the very beginning of His public ministry, Jesus felt the sting of rejection. His baptism by John and His 40 days in the wilderness were life-changing experiences. Afterwards, He simply wasn't the same person who had grown up, played with and worked beside the villagers of Nazareth. Yet, in their minds, He was still the son of Joseph the carpenter. With that image firmly entrenched in their minds, they couldn't conceive of Him being the long-awaited Messiah. They refused to listen to Him. In fact, none of His boyhood friends would become one of His twelve apostles. They drove Him out of His hometown synagogue.
Jesus Was Rejected By His Relatives
It's one thing to be rejected by strangers whose bigotry blinds them to who you really are. It's another thing to be rejected by those who know you best. It must have hurt, but the way Jesus handled the rejection serves as a powerful example for anyone who has ever been fired, divorced, betrayed by a friend or rejected by the Simon Cowell’s of this world.
Jesus Was Rejected by the Jewish Elders
They mocked Him, tried to trick Him and when that failed, they plotted against Him.
What Jesus Did
- Jesus didn't take the rejection to heart. He didn't internalize the criticism and waste time wondering about what was wrong with Him. He knew "a prophet has no honor in his native place." (John 4: 44). He knew that - - unlike some of the "American Idol" contestants - - He was without fault. The problem lay within the villagers, not within Him. So their comments didn't change how He thought about Himself.
- Jesus moved on with His life. Once He saw the Nazarean's minds were closed, He moved to Capernaum, a crossroads of commerce where strangers were welcome and where He could make new friends. Change your friends and you change your life. Jesus went to the synagogue where He no doubt made faithful friends.
- Jesus learned from the rejection. Having felt the pain of denunciation, He befriended many of society's outcasts; the lepers, cripples, tax collectors, prostitutes and beggars, He was slow to rebuff others.
- Jesus rejected negativity. He didn't take "No" for an answer. He brought 'glad tidings to the poor, liberty to captives, recovery of sight to the blind and freedom for the oppressed.' He spoke positively and drew people to him in droves.
As a result, of the way He overcame rejection, Jesus’ star will never be eclipsed.