By Nancy Boote
Read: Luke 4:16-30
“No prophet is acceptable in his hometown.” (v. 24)
Many people have experienced rejection. What about you? Perhaps you were overlooked for a job promotion. Maybe you were relinquished at birth or rejected by someone you loved. Or perhaps you have been rejected because of something about yourself you can’t change, like your race, gender, or ability.
Rejection hurts. In the midst of it, you may feel diminished, unworthy, not wanted, and alone.
Jesus experienced rejection throughout his life, from the beginning to the very end. At birth, Herod wanted him killed. Later, Jesus was rejected when he appeared in his hometown of Nazareth.
As our Bible reading today explains, it was customary for Jesus to go to the synagogue on the Sabbath. But this time was different. After reading from the scroll of Isaiah, Jesus said, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing” (v. 21). At first, the people marveled at his words. But soon their wonder about Jesus turned to wrath (v. 28).
We also see this shift when Jesus entered Jerusalem the last week of his life (Matt. 21:9-10; 27:22-23). One day the people shouted “Hosanna!” Then a few days later the same crowd yelled, “Let him be crucified!”
Jesus understood rejection.
You are not alone in whatever kind of rejection you are experiencing today. Jesus is with you. “The LORD is on my side as my helper; I shall look in triumph on those who hate me” (Ps. 118:7). Jesus stands with you and says, “You are loved; you are wanted: and you are enough.”
As you pray, know Jesus is by your side.
—————
Nancy Boote, an ordained minister in the Reformed Church of America, lives in Holland with her husband. She serves in a variety of leadership positions within the denomination. Besides being a wife, mother, and grandmother, Nancy enjoys taking prayer walks, hiking in nature, mentoring, and has a heart for justice matters.
Read: Luke 4:16-30
“No prophet is acceptable in his hometown.” (v. 24)
Many people have experienced rejection. What about you? Perhaps you were overlooked for a job promotion. Maybe you were relinquished at birth or rejected by someone you loved. Or perhaps you have been rejected because of something about yourself you can’t change, like your race, gender, or ability.
Rejection hurts. In the midst of it, you may feel diminished, unworthy, not wanted, and alone.
Jesus experienced rejection throughout his life, from the beginning to the very end. At birth, Herod wanted him killed. Later, Jesus was rejected when he appeared in his hometown of Nazareth.
As our Bible reading today explains, it was customary for Jesus to go to the synagogue on the Sabbath. But this time was different. After reading from the scroll of Isaiah, Jesus said, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing” (v. 21). At first, the people marveled at his words. But soon their wonder about Jesus turned to wrath (v. 28).
We also see this shift when Jesus entered Jerusalem the last week of his life (Matt. 21:9-10; 27:22-23). One day the people shouted “Hosanna!” Then a few days later the same crowd yelled, “Let him be crucified!”
Jesus understood rejection.
You are not alone in whatever kind of rejection you are experiencing today. Jesus is with you. “The LORD is on my side as my helper; I shall look in triumph on those who hate me” (Ps. 118:7). Jesus stands with you and says, “You are loved; you are wanted: and you are enough.”
As you pray, know Jesus is by your side.
—————
Nancy Boote, an ordained minister in the Reformed Church of America, lives in Holland with her husband. She serves in a variety of leadership positions within the denomination. Besides being a wife, mother, and grandmother, Nancy enjoys taking prayer walks, hiking in nature, mentoring, and has a heart for justice matters.
