The Pain of Family Rejection

             While reading the 7th chapter of John’s Gospel, I was suddenly struck with the realization that Jesus’ family rejected Him.  In those first verses, we see His brothers daring Him to show His face, even though there were death threats against Him.  After all, if you are going to be famous, you must put yourself out there.  We all see how celebrities constantly seek the limelight.  Jesus’ brothers challenged Him to do the same.  Then, in verse 5, the Scripture reveals their hearts, “For even his own brothers did not believe in him” (John 7: 5 NIV84). Mark makes their feelings towards their brother even clearer.  He tells us that “they went to take charge of him, for they said, ‘He is out of his mind’” (Mark 3: 21 NIV84).

            I can’t imagine how difficult it must be to be rejected by your family.  Yet, it happens daily, around the world.  As individuals reject the false beliefs of their families and cling to the saving grace that Christ provides, they aren’t just ridiculed by their families.  They are completely ostracized and cut off from everyone they know and love.

            I just attended a conference where one of the speakers recalled his redemption story.  He had questioned his childhood faith for some time but could never find answers that satisfied his questions.  Finally, a friend gave him a Bible, and as he began to read, the truth was revealed to him.  When his family learned of his study, they gave him an ultimatum.  He could choose his family and reject the Bible, or if he chose the Bible, he would be “dead” to his family.  He chose Christ!  Today, there is a cemetery near his home, where he can see a monument with his name on it.  His family held a funeral ceremony and buried an empty coffin, signifying his death to them.

That man knows what it means to be rejected by family.  Stories like his are happening all over the world.  Jesus knows their pain.  He experienced it firsthand.  Thankfully, His family ultimately came to believe in and follow Him wholeheartedly.  His brother, James, became the leader of the church in Jerusalem and ultimately paid with his life for the cause of the Gospel.  Another brother, Jude, is believed to be the author of the book of Jude.

Just as Jesus’ family ultimately accepted Him and became strong advocates for the Gospel, God can change the hearts of those families who have rejected their Christian loved ones.  We must pray that their eyes will be opened.  Pray that they, like the man who found answers when he began to read the Holy Scripture, will also find the truth.  We must also encourage and support those who have sacrificed everything dear to them for the cause of Christ.  Help them to realize that they have a new family—the family of God.  They are our brothers and sisters.  Let’s be the family they need so that they might be strengthened in their faith!

John 7: 1 – 5

Mark 3: 20 – 21

Ephesians 2: 19 - 22

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