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

Thursday, July 2, 2015

"When a person listens to you, that person is really listening to me. But when a person refuses to accept you, that person is really refusing to accept me. And when a person refuses to accept me, he is refusing to accept the One (God) that sent me."
— Luke 10:16 NLT
Illustration of Luke 10:16 NLT — "When a person listens to you, that person is really listening to me."

Key Thought

As Jesus' disciples, we must not take the rejection, or the acceptance, of the message of Christ too 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 message is about Jesus. People aren't choosing or rejecting us; they are choosing or rejecting Jesus. And, when they choose or reject Jesus, they are choosing or rejecting God. Let's remember that this is not about us, but about God, his message, his Son, his Kingdom, and his desire to save the lost.

Today's Prayer

Father, I confess that when people reject my attempts at sharing the Gospel with them, I take it too personally. I know deep in my heart that it is not a personal rejection, but those feelings do often get in the way. Help me see the issue more clearly. Help me see it as the acceptance or rejection of you and your grace. Help me see it as the coming into your light or the grip of darkness on the hearts of others. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Matthew 13:23
  • John 1:5-14
  • John 5:24

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did is a one-year devotional guide through the gospels, using one short passage each day and following the Gospel in consecutive order. Each devotional consists of a passage, reflection and a prayer which opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.

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.

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