Day 16: Rejected
Illustration
In Matthew 26 and John 12, we can read the account of Mary of Bethany, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, who understood the message of the cross, that she, though sinful, was forgiven, loved, and accepted by God, through the upcoming death of Jesus. So she took a bottle of costly ointment and broke it, pouring out the contents on Jesus in preparation for His burial. But not everyone appreciated Mary or her sacrifice.
“When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. ‘Why this waste?’ they asked. ‘This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor’” (Matthew 26:8-9 NIV).
These disciples didn't yet understand Jesus' mission, so they rejected Mary and scorned her offering and expression of love for Jesus. But Jesus, who was rejected repeatedly by man and who was facing the cross and rejection by God, rushed to Mary's defense:
Aware of this, Jesus said to them, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her” (Matthew 26:10-13 NIV).
Like Mary, we will face rejection in this life, but we can look to Jesus when rejected, and be confident that He will be with us through it all. He sees us, He remembers us and He comes to our defense when we are rejected.