Mark 6:7-13
Ever feel rejected? It happens to everyone at some point. Early in Jesus' ministry he sent his disciples out on a mission. Jesus had just been rejected by his own home town. The people could not see the fact that Jesus is the Son of God. They just knew him as Mary's son or James' brother. Even though Jesus performed signs and taught with wisdom, they didn't receive him. Then, Jesus sent the disciples out in groups of two comissioned with authority to do miraculous works like casting out demons, healing sick people, and preaching the message of repentance. Keep in mind that these disciples were going around a place that Jesus himself had just taught and performed signs.The disciples were told to stay as long as they needed in a home where the family would receive them, however when the disciples were rejected for the message they preached they were told to "shake off the dust under their feet as a testimony against them" (verse 11). What a strange thing to say. What this meant in the context of the passage is that if the message of repentance from sin and faith in Jesus Christ was rejected, the people were rejected from the kingdom of God. Jesus even says that it will be worse for these people who had the testimony of Christ and rejected Him than for the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, which were destroyed for their continual sin during the life of Abraham (Genesis 19:24). Could this be that the most vile sinner and the nicest person in town have the same fate? Without repentance from their own deeds and putting their faith in Jesus, Yes. Remember that truly important acceptance in life comes by being identified and associated with Jesus Christ. If someone accepts you for your clothing, what will it benefit them? If someone accepts you for your looks, what will it benefit them? If someone accepts you for your brains, what will it benefit them? If someone accepts you because you share the message of repentance, forgiveness, and the love of Christ it will greatly benefit them forever. Be accepted or rejected today for the best reason - Jesus.
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