What Jesus Did! 'Not a Personal Rejection' — Luke 10:16

Sunday, July 2, 2023

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."
— Luke 10:16 NLT

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

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

2 Related Resources by Heartlight

Authority Over Demons in Jesus' Name
Devo: Spiritual Warfare
"Then [Jesus] said to the disciples, "Anyone who accepts your message is also accepting me. And anyone who rejects you is rejecting me. And anyone who...."
What Brings Deep Joy
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"My Dear Little One, The world is a big place. I've asked you to step into this big place and make a big difference. I know there will be times when....."

Illustration

Illustration of Luke 10:16 NLT — "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."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Sunday, July 2, 2023

God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Must!' (Jn. 4:23-24)
"[Jesus said,] "But the time is coming — indeed it's here now — when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for..."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Sensitive to Their Influence' (Acts 16:1-4)
"Paul went first to Derbe and then to Lystra, where there was a young disciple named Timothy. His mother was a Jewish believer, but his father was a....."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Godly Gain' (1 Ti. 6:1-10)
"Dear Father, whose truth is gentle, Help us to find a heart to serve you, even in oppressive circumstances. Grant that our religion may not be a..."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Romans 8:23
"Present possession is declared. At this present moment we have the first fruits of the Spirit. We have repentance, that gem of the first water; faith,..."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

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.

More What Jesus Did!