Jesus brought good news to all people, but some rejected Him.
Scripture: Luke 4:16-30
Central Truth
Jesus was anointed by God’s Spirit to preach the good news to all people. Jesus was rejected by some but received by others. For the sake of all who will receive Him and become eternal children of God, Jesus was willing to suffer rejection. Like Jesus, we share His good news with others, knowing some will receive Him, and others will reject Him.
Key Question
Will we experience the saving grace of Jesus if we’re not willing to receive it? Why or why or not?
Keep in Mind
Every day, amazingly helpful goods and services are rejected by people who could really use them. Someone’s rejection of a good or service in no way changes the value of that good or service. Rejection is a part of life. People have a choice to receive or reject what’s offered to them. Jesus came to offer salvation through repentance and faith in Him. Many rejected Him. Many received Him, and “to all who did receive him, he gave them the right to be children of God” (John 1:12).
We’re called to preach His good news to everyone, everywhere. Not everyone will receive the good news about Jesus. Some will reject the good news and, maybe, reject us too. Like Jesus, we continue to share the good news knowing countless people will receive it, believe in Jesus, and be born again into God’s forever family. Jesus is with us no matter who receives His good news or rejects it.
APPLICATION
How does Jesus’s example change the way we think about rejection?
THE WIN
FOR THE STUDENT: It’s tempting to believe rejection will be our end. However, Jesus’s example shows us that there’s not only life after rejection, but there’s also abundant and eternal life after rejection. The rejection of others is no match for the power of God’s acceptance. The joy of someone receiving His good news overwhelms any difficulty of rejection.
FOR THE LEADER: It’s important for the students we lead to know our unconditional love for them. Part of how God strengthens us to weather rejection is by surrounding us with dependable community. We must be a safe place of loving loyalty so our students can grow in their commitment to sharing God’s good news.
