Lenten Devo #33—The World Did Not Know Him

He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own did not receive him. (John 1:10-11)

Jesus said that a servant is not above his master. The sense was that we could expect to receive the same kind of treatment that Jesus did, including persecution. But in this instance, it means rejection, even from those who should receive us.

It's easy to let rejection discourage us when it comes to sharing the gospel. It's easy to let rejection make us think that we're doing something wrong or that we've failed in some way. And perhaps that's true. But it's also just a part of what it's like. It's just the nature of the thing. To share the gospel is to get rejected. A servant is not above his master.

So when you pray, pray that those you love would receive the message. But do not be surprised if they do not. Be sad, yes. But not surprised. For even Jesus' own rejects him.

Who are you praying for today?