Facing Rejection

Mark 6:1-13

I. History of Rejection.

A. Rejection of God's Word. (Genesis 3:1-6).

B. Rejection of God's Agents:

Jacob (Genesis 25:23)

Joseph (Genesis 37:18-36)

Moses (Exodus 2:15)

David

Prophets (Luke 13:34)*

Luke 13:34 (NASB95)

34“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, just as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not have it!

II. The Innocent Rejected.

In Mark 6:1-13, We see Jesus being rejected by his hometown. Jesus is definitely a man of sorrows for this reason. He is constantly met with opposition, while his whole purpose in descending to dwell among us is to save us. If there is anyone who has ever lived that should not be rejected it was Jesus. Jesus lives a sinless life. But is seems to be in the nature of man to reject that which is ultimately good for us. Peter references the psalms concerning Jesus rejection:

1 Peter 2:7–8 (NASB95)

7This precious value, then, is for you who believe; but for those who disbelieve, “The stone which the builders rejected, This became the very corner stone,” 8and, “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense”; for they stumble because they are disobedient to the word, and to this doom they were also appointed.

A. The foolishness of Human Rejection. (Mark 6:2-3)

Mark 6:2–3 (NASB95)

2When the Sabbath came, He began to teach in the synagogue; and the many listeners were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things, and what is this wisdom given to Him, and such miracles as these performed by His hands?

3“Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? Are not His sisters here with us?” And they took offense at Him.

People have a hard time reconciling the present from the past.God is in the business of reconciling the past to give you a better present.

God chooses to forget your past and forgive itSatan is the only one who brings up the past. We lean towards his was of thinking.

III. From Rejection to Receiving.

A. Jesus absorbs rejection so we can be given a second chance.

Jesus rejection doesn't stop him from accomplishing what he has set out to do. To restore those who have reject him to eternal life. It is enough to reject the one true God once and receive the penalty for high treason. But Jesus affords us another chance, another opportunity to receive Him. In fact, He gives us a life time of opportunity, but once we die that opportunity has ceased.

Hebrews 9:27 (NASB95)

27And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment,

B. Jesus commissions those who receive Him to extend second chances. (Mark 6:7-13)

Jesus instructs them on how to face rejection:

Do not let the potential of rejection detour your mission.

When your mission faces rejection, let Jesus be their judge not you.

Matthew 10:14–15 (NASB95)

14“Whoever does not receive you, nor heed your words, as you go out of that house or that city, shake the dust off your feet.

15“Truly I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city.

Don't take that spirit of rejection with you (shake the sand off your feet)

Don't go in alone. (Mark 6:7)