Bible Verse: “He grew up before (God) like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.” (Isaiah 53:2-3)
Scripture Reading: John 1:1-11
“Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne” by Emily Elliot
Verse 4:
Thou camest, O Lord, with the living word
That should set Thy people free;
But with mocking scorn, and with crown of thorn,
They bore Thee to Calvary.
In 2010, I performed a one-man show called “Before the Silver Cord is Severed” at the Calgary Fringe Festival. It was a creative recitation of the book of Ecclesiastes, a three-thousand-year-old book that is as relevant today as the morning paper.
In order to get people in to see the show, I was out on the street handing out invitations to all the festival-goers. I distinctly remember one group of young men. They took the card and then asked me what the show was about. When I told them, they threw the card back in my face and, with very colorful language, told me what I could do with my show.
I was slightly shocked at their hostile rejection of some of the most beautiful words in the world.
I can’t imagine the constant rejection Jesus felt as He came as the Living Word proclaiming the written Word.
Some received Him, but even they struggled to really understand what He was trying to show and tell them.
Many times, people turned away from Him, rejecting Him and making fun of Him.
Most prominent was the day they arrested Him. They falsely accused Him and beat Him up pretty badly. They smashed a crown of thorns into His head. They nailed Him to a cross. And they never let up on the incessant scorn they hurled at Him. Even as He hung dying, they were mocking Him.
But He took it. He took it all so that He might save all who would turn to Him.
This is a man (and more than a man) of powerful character and purpose. He is a man worth following. He is a man worth emulating.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I often cower when faced with the threat of mocking and scorn. You said that if we are ashamed of You here, You will be ashamed of us in the life hereafter (Mark 8:38). Give me the courage to stand in the face of rejection. Fill me with Your Spirit so that nothing will intimidate me into silence. May I be bold in proclaiming Your incredible love and amazing sacrifice. Amen.
Reflection: The Bible teaches that we are blessed when we are persecuted (Matthew 5:10-12). Are you willing to make a public stance for Jesus even if it means that you may be mocked, scorned, and ridiculed? Where are you most afraid to go public with your faith?
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