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

Sunday, July 2, 2023

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 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 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 our mission 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 their rejection is not a personal rejection of me, but those feelings do often get in the way. Help me see the issue more clearly. Help me see it as acceptance or rejection of you and your grace, as 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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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 10:16 NLT — 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 rejects me is rejecting God, who sent me."

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.

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