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He Knows the Pain Of Rejection

Dwayne Gandy
07/13/25 - Lord’s Supper Service

He Knows the Pain of Rejection

Rejection is one of the most painful experiences a person can face. Whether it’s being turned down for a job, being excluded from a group, or being hurt by those closest to us, rejection cuts deep. But as we gather around the Lord’s table, we are reminded that Jesus knows that pain too—personally, profoundly, and repeatedly.

Jesus’ life was marked not just by miracles and teachings, but by emotional suffering. And one of the most consistent forms of that suffering was rejection—by the religious leaders, by His neighbors, by His disciples, by His own family. In remembering Him, we don’t only reflect on the nails in His hands or the crown of thorns on His head; we reflect on the wounds in His heart.

Rejected by the Religious Elite

In Mark 3:22, the scribes from Jerusalem—the top legal minds and respected interpreters of Jewish law—came to see Jesus. But instead of honoring Him, they accused Him of being possessed by Satan. “He has Beelzebub,” they said, “and by the ruler of the demons He casts out demons.” Imagine the pain of being accused not just of error, but of evil—of being aligned with the very forces you came to destroy.

This wasn’t just local gossip. These were Jerusalem scribes—representing national religious authority. Their condemnation symbolized widespread spiritual rejection. To be misunderstood is one thing. To be labeled a servant of Satan by those who claim to speak for God must have been emotionally crushing.

Rejected by His Own Family

But even more painful is what we read just a verse earlier in Mark 3:21: “His own people... went out to lay hold of Him, for they said, ‘He is out of His mind.’” His family didn’t accuse Him of evil—they thought He was crazy. Imagine your loved ones trying to intervene not because they hate you, but because they think you’ve lost touch with reality.

These weren’t strangers. These were people who had lived with Him, known His character, and seen His consistency. And yet, they doubted Him. That kind of rejection hits at the core of human experience—being dismissed by those closest to you.

Rejected in His Hometown

In Mark 6, Jesus returns to His hometown of Nazareth. You’d think that the local boy made good would receive a hero’s welcome. Instead, His neighbors questioned His authority, scoffed at His wisdom, and refused to believe. “Is this not the carpenter, the son of Mary...?” they said. And Scripture records, “They were offended at Him.”

Jesus marvels at their unbelief and says, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country.” He who had never sinned, never lied, never mistreated anyone—He was too familiar, too ordinary in their eyes to be worthy of respect. Their rejection limited the miracles He could do there.

Rejected by Followers

Even some of His disciples walked away. In John 6, when Jesus taught hard truths—about being the Bread of Life, about eating His flesh and drinking His blood—many were confused and offended. They couldn’t understand, and rather than trust Him despite their confusion, they left.

“From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more” (John 6:66). Their questions weren't evil, but their unwillingness to stay when things got hard was a form of rejection.

Rejected by the Rich Young Ruler

In Mark 10, a wealthy young man came to Jesus, eager to inherit eternal life. But when Jesus told him to sell his possessions and follow Him, the man walked away sorrowful. He couldn’t let go of his wealth.

This rejection wasn’t about misunderstanding—it was a clear refusal. Jesus had extended an invitation to life, and the man said no. Mark records that “Jesus looked at him and loved him.” The love didn’t prevent the pain. It intensified it.

Jesus Understands—and Accepts

What does this mean for us at the Lord’s table?

First, it means we have a Savior who truly understands the emotional wounds we carry. He doesn’t just sympathize from a distance—He has lived it. He knows what it’s like to be misunderstood, betrayed, and dismissed. If you’ve felt the sting of rejection, you’re not alone. Jesus has been there—and He’s there for you now.

Second, it means that when we eat the bread and drink the cup, we are declaring: “We do not reject You, Lord. We accept You.” Despite what the world says, despite the cost, despite what we don’t yet fully understand, we remain with Him.

And most of all, it reminds us that Jesus will not reject us. He was rejected so we could be accepted. As Isaiah 53 foretold, “He was despised and rejected by men... but the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him.”

Every time we partake of this memorial, we’re proclaiming our loyalty to the One who never gave up on us. The world may reject you. Your family might not understand you. But Jesus does—and He never will reject those who come to Him in faith.