Rev. Reed Lee Pedersen's
Have you ever felt rejected? Have you ever felt like a failure? Have you walked into a room and noticed the conversation got quiet which made you question why you are out of the loop or if they are talking about you? Have you ever had a group of friends and then suddenly wondered why they are hanging out and you weren’t invited? Maybe it was sports, academics, social media, or another social group that gave you the feeling you did not belong. Maybe it was a joke that everyone was laughing at yet you did not get the punch line. I am sure there are countless more instances where you can feel like a reject or a loser. “[Jesus] left that place and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, “Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands! Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. Then Jesus said to them, “Prophets are not without honor, except in their hometown, and among their own kin, and in their own house.” And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them. And he was amazed at their unbelief.” – Mark 6:1-6 (NRSV) This passage is titled, “The Rejection of Jesus at Nazareth”. Jesus had already been doing miracles and teaching about God for a good amount. He had gained such a reputation that he would immediately be greeted by people asking for healing. Yet in his hometown Jesus is not welcomed with open arms. Instead, he is welcomed with people taking offense that Mary’s son would dare speak and act with such authority.
They were people that had seen this boy grow up. They had seen this manual laborer (and nothing more in their eyes) work. Who is he to act all high and mighty?! They let Jesus know his authority would not be welcomed. They let Jesus know that he is a reject and a loser in their eyes. Jesus was not only rejected in his hometown, but he would be rejected by the high ranking Jewish authorities and be made a loser by the Roman empire as he died on the cross. Jesus is very much a reject. Jesus is very much a loser. How amazing is it that in midst of rejection and losing his life for our sake he brought about true strength? He brought about a true all encompassing love that does not allow for rejects and losers, but accepts all into God’s loving arms. If you find yourself in a crowd and feel as if you do not fit please know that God’s love says otherwise. If you walk into a room and hear the mean whispers about you from people you thought were your friends please know that God’s love is loud and true in claiming you beloved. If you feel as if you cannot amount to anything and that you are one big loser please know that Jesus is the only true loser. By that loss we forever are the winners of the love of God and eternal life. Praise be to God’s Son, Jesus the Christ, King of the Rejects, Lord of the Losers!!! Points to ponder:
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AuthorPastor Reed is a first call pastor at Augustana Lutheran Church in Andover, Illinois. Archives
July 2019
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