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 53:3
This passage is one we normally associate with the Easter season. It represents the prophetic vision of the Messiah and what He was going to experience during His ministry on earth. As Christians, we know that Jesus fulfilled the prophecies that were described but we often set this particular passage aside for a certain season. The fact is, this verse doesn’t only describe more than just the crucifixion, it also implies much more.
First, “familiar with pain” implies that He was accustomed to the idea. The phrase I want focus on today, however is “despised and rejected”. This is a concept that occurs over and over, not only with Jesus on earth but with God’s overall relationship with His people. Rejection seems to be a constant thread.
When we look at the birth story of Jesus, we see the same thing even the day before He was born. Scripture tells us “there was no room in the inn”, and then goes on to tell us about the less than adequate accommodations that surrounded the newborn and family in the context of a dark and cold stable. This was His first earthly moment of rejection.
Here is the most amazing part of this entire Biblical theme. Even though we have rejected and despised God throughout history, He still loves us and implemented His plan for our restoration. We have never deserved it. This concept is very countercultural in a society that teaches, “If someone causes you pain or distress, you should distance yourself”. God’s example is this…”while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” He was born for this very plan.
I invite you to spend some time thanking God for His persistent love and restoration. He loves you. Rest in that promise today.
Prayer for today: Jesus, thank you for coming to a world that immediately rejected you. Fill my heart with gratitude and a desire to know you more. Amen.
This post was written by Rev DeCrastos. You can find his blog here: ministrysauce.com
This passage is one we normally associate with the Easter season. It represents the prophetic vision of the Messiah and what He was going to experience during His ministry on earth. As Christians, we know that Jesus fulfilled the prophecies that were described but we often set this particular passage aside for a certain season. The fact is, this verse doesn’t only describe more than just the crucifixion, it also implies much more.
First, “familiar with pain” implies that He was accustomed to the idea. The phrase I want focus on today, however is “despised and rejected”. This is a concept that occurs over and over, not only with Jesus on earth but with God’s overall relationship with His people. Rejection seems to be a constant thread.
When we look at the birth story of Jesus, we see the same thing even the day before He was born. Scripture tells us “there was no room in the inn”, and then goes on to tell us about the less than adequate accommodations that surrounded the newborn and family in the context of a dark and cold stable. This was His first earthly moment of rejection.
Here is the most amazing part of this entire Biblical theme. Even though we have rejected and despised God throughout history, He still loves us and implemented His plan for our restoration. We have never deserved it. This concept is very countercultural in a society that teaches, “If someone causes you pain or distress, you should distance yourself”. God’s example is this…”while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” He was born for this very plan.
I invite you to spend some time thanking God for His persistent love and restoration. He loves you. Rest in that promise today.
Prayer for today: Jesus, thank you for coming to a world that immediately rejected you. Fill my heart with gratitude and a desire to know you more. Amen.
This post was written by Rev DeCrastos. You can find his blog here: ministrysauce.com
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