Then [Jesus] said to the disciples [he was sending as missionaries], “Anyone who accepts your message is also accepting me. And anyone who rejects you is rejecting me. And anyone who rejects me is rejecting God, who sent me.”
Key Thought
As Jesus’ disciples, we must not take the rejection, or the acceptance, of the message of Christ personally. Yes, we should be passionate about sharing that message. Yes, we must understand the eternal implications of accepting or rejecting that message. But the Good News is about Jesus. People aren’t accepting or rejecting us; they are deciding about Jesus. And, when they choose or reject Jesus, they are choosing or rejecting God. Let’s remember that our mission is not about us but God — his Son, his message, his Kingdom, and his desire to save the lost.
Today’s Prayer
Father, I confess that when people reject my attempts at sharing the Good News with them, I take it too personally. I know deep in my heart that their rejection is not a personal rejection of me, but personal feelings do often get in the way. Help me see the issue more clearly. Help me see their response as acceptance or rejection of you and your grace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Matthew 13:23John 1:5-14John 5:24Ⓒ 1996-2023 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.