Jesus Shrugged Off Rejection
06/04/10 05:28 Filed in: Criticism
Rejection hurts. Whether it’s a pink slip, divorce papers, a failing grade, a cancelled contract, a foreclosure notice, a declined loan or “constructive criticism,” the pain is real. It can cause us to lose hope, give in and give up. It can cause us to reject ourselves and stop trying. On the other hand, a rejection can also cause us to take an honest, objective look at ourselves and (if need be) make a fresh start.
“ . . . and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” (John 6: 37-40)
Rejection hurts. Whether it’s a pink slip, divorce papers, a failing grade, a cancelled contract, a foreclosure notice, a declined loan or “constructive criticism,” the pain is real. It can cause us to lose hope, give in and give up. It can cause us to reject ourselves and stop trying.
On the other hand, a rejection can also cause us to take an honest, objective look at ourselves and make a fresh start. We can use it as an opportunity to explore new, exciting opportunities that we may not have considered before. We can remain optimistic in the face of criticism.
Jesus was optimistic, despite repeated rejections. He was rejected in His hometown by the very people who were closest to Him. He was rejected by the Pharisees and Sadducees. He was rejected by those who demanded another sign right after He had just fed five thousand with five barley loaves and two fish.
Jesus could have lost heart. He could have said, “What’s the use?” He could have quit. But, instead, He remained optimistic and redoubled His efforts. He covered hundreds of miles on foot. Then He sent out His 12 apostles. Next, He sent out 70 disciples to all the surrounding villages. He reached out to Samaritans and Romans; He befriended tax collectors, prostitutes and lepers.
He said He would not reject anyone who came to Him. Anyone. When rejection leads to self-doubt, we need only remind ourselves that Jesus has accepted us for who we are and who we can become with His grace.
By His example, the Lord taught us that we have a choice in how we deal with rejection.
Rejection hurts. Whether it’s a pink slip, divorce papers, a failing grade, a cancelled contract, a foreclosure notice, a declined loan or “constructive criticism,” the pain is real. It can cause us to lose hope, give in and give up. It can cause us to reject ourselves and stop trying.
On the other hand, a rejection can also cause us to take an honest, objective look at ourselves and make a fresh start. We can use it as an opportunity to explore new, exciting opportunities that we may not have considered before. We can remain optimistic in the face of criticism.
Jesus was optimistic, despite repeated rejections. He was rejected in His hometown by the very people who were closest to Him. He was rejected by the Pharisees and Sadducees. He was rejected by those who demanded another sign right after He had just fed five thousand with five barley loaves and two fish.
Jesus could have lost heart. He could have said, “What’s the use?” He could have quit. But, instead, He remained optimistic and redoubled His efforts. He covered hundreds of miles on foot. Then He sent out His 12 apostles. Next, He sent out 70 disciples to all the surrounding villages. He reached out to Samaritans and Romans; He befriended tax collectors, prostitutes and lepers.
He said He would not reject anyone who came to Him. Anyone. When rejection leads to self-doubt, we need only remind ourselves that Jesus has accepted us for who we are and who we can become with His grace.
By His example, the Lord taught us that we have a choice in how we deal with rejection.
Six Ways Jesus Dealt with Rejection
- He was prepared for criticism. The prophets had foretold it. He knew He wouldn’t be able to please everyone. None of us can. He accepted that.
- He surrounded Himself with affirming friends. He focused His efforts on people who accepted Him for who He was.
- He didn’t waste time on the naysayers.
- He viewed the rejection by the Jewish leaders as an opportunity to make a fresh start and expand His ministry. He knew there were plenty of other people eager to hear what He had to say.
- He remained physically active and fully engaged.He prayed for the strength to carry on.
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