Never Rejected

When the days drew near for him to be taken up, [Jesus] set his face to go to Jerusalem. And he sent messengers ahead of him, who went and entered a village of the Samaritans, to make preparations for him. But the people did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem. And when his disciples James and John saw it, they said, “Lord, do you want us to tell fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” But he turned and rebuked them. And they went on to another village. Luke 9:51-56 

Rejection is something new immigrants face every day. It happens at school, at work, or with next-door neighbors. God forgive us, it sometimes happens even in the church! People turn their backs; they say hurtful things; they refuse the kind of courtesy and care that everyone else gets naturally. And every time it happens, it hurts. 

When things like this happen to newcomers, we can point them to Jesus for understanding and care. Because Jesus knows about rejection. He experienced it himself. In today’s story, the people in the village rejected him because he was headed to Jerusalem—which had to do both with his ethnic group and with his religion. And it hurt! If it had not, James and John would not have suggested killing them all. 

But that’s not Jesus’ way. His answer is always love. His goal is always to save us, to give us everlasting life as children of God. That was why he chose to suffer the greatest rejection of all when he allowed himself to be betrayed, crucified and killed—and then rose from the dead, never to die again. Now he promises us that anyone who trusts in Jesus is welcomed forever as a child of God. 

Lord, help me when I am rejected by others. I know that you will never reject me. Amen.

By Dr. Kari Vo