In your own life are you typically embracing rejection when it happens to you? Most of us would answer no if we were being honest. Being rejected is not a good feeling, yet it is one faced by the parents of Jesus and the Savior Himself.
Luke 2:7 (ESV)
“In a manger, due to lack of space in the inn, Mary gave birth to her firstborn son, wrapping him in swaddling cloths.”
During this season, it is fascinating to reflect on the immense rejection faced by Joseph, Mary, and even Jesus himself. From the very beginning, Mary’s journey was filled with trials and hardships. While she was blessed to carry our Savior, let us not forget the daily struggles she faced as an unwed mother.
Imagine the judgment and contempt Mary endured as her pregnancy progressed, all while being only engaged to Joseph. According to Jewish law, her situation was punishable by death. However, Joseph, after receiving a vision in a dream, chose to protect her instead of condemning her.
But the challenges did not end there. When Joseph and Mary arrived in Bethlehem for the census, they were turned away from the inn and forced to give birth in a stable, surrounded by animals. It was an incredibly humbling experience for the blessed couple.
Throughout Jesus’ ministry, rejection became a recurring theme. He faced rejection from his hometown, from the Jewish elders, and even from his own family. Yet, he continued to move forward, almost embracing rejection as a necessary element in fulfilling his divine mission.
Even today, people continue to reject Jesus as the Son of God. This rejection is what inspired the name of my blog, The Narrow Road, symbolizing the path less traveled due to rejection. It reminds me of the words Jesus spoke in Matthew 7:13-14. While it saddens me to witness people rejecting the eternal love and salvation of Jesus, as a Christian, I stand firm in my faith and boldly proclaim it wherever I go.
Rejection is an inevitable part of life. We all face it, whether due to our faith or other reasons. It can be truly heartbreaking. However, if we learn anything from our Savior’s response to rejection, it is that even in this temporary world, we can find comfort in knowing that the one who truly matters, Jesus, died for us and will never reject us. Let this be our source of hope and encouragement as we navigate through a world that may not always accept us.
The 2006 Nativity movie is one of my Christmas regulars to watch. Let me know what you think of it in the comments below!
If you are still waiting to invite Jesus into your life, please watch this video prayer made for you.
