Rejection is painful, but the Bible offers comfort and hope. Jesus Himself faced rejection, and His example helps us persevere. Today, we’ll learn how Scripture speaks to those who feel rejected and reminds us of God’s acceptance.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Past Sins
What Does The Bible Say About Being Rejected
Matthew 10:14
“If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet.”
This verse acknowledges that rejection is a possibility when sharing the message of Jesus. It encourages believers to move on from those who reject the gospel, recognizing that not everyone will accept the truth.
John 15:18-19
“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.”
Jesus warns his disciples that they will face rejection and hatred from the world because of their association with Him. Believers are reminded that their identity is not in the world, but in Christ.
Psalm 118:22
“The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.”
This verse prophesies the rejection of Jesus, who would become the cornerstone of salvation. It emphasizes that even in rejection, God’s plan cannot be thwarted, and Jesus would fulfill his purpose.
Isaiah 53:3
“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’s prophecy describes the rejection and suffering that Jesus would face. It portrays Jesus as a man familiar with pain and despised by people, highlighting the depths of His sacrifice.
1 Peter 2:4
“As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him”
In this verse, believers are reminded that though Jesus was rejected by humans, He is chosen and precious to God. It encourages Christians to draw near to Jesus, who was rejected but remains the foundation of the faith.
Matthew 21:42
“Jesus said to them, ‘Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?”
Jesus refers to Himself as the rejected cornerstone, alluding to the prophecy in Psalm 118:22. He emphasizes the fulfillment of Scripture and the marvelous work of God in exalting the previously rejected stone.
Luke 20:17
“Jesus looked directly at them and asked, ‘Then what is the meaning of that which is written: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone’?”
In this verse, Jesus challenges the religious leaders’ understanding of Scripture by pointing to their rejection of Him, the prophesied cornerstone. He confronts their rejection and highlights the significance of His position.
Acts 4:11
“Jesus is ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.”
Peter proclaims the fulfillment of Psalm 118:22 in Jesus, emphasizing His role as the rejected stone who became the cornerstone. This declaration reflects the message of salvation through Jesus despite human rejection.
John 1:11
“He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.”
This verse acknowledges that Jesus came to His own people, the Israelites, but they did not receive Him. It reflects the rejection Jesus faced even from those whom He came to save.
Matthew 23:37
“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing.”
Jesus laments over the rejection of Jerusalem, expressing His desire to protect and gather its people. However, their unwillingness to accept Him as their Savior resulted in their continued rejection and the consequences that followed.
Psalm 69:8
“I am a foreigner to my own family, a stranger to my own mother’s children.”
This verse reflects the experience of rejection that Jesus faced even within His own family and amid those closest to Him. It highlights the loneliness and separation felt by Jesus during His earthly ministry.
Mark 8:31
“He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again.”
In this verse, Jesus foretells His coming rejection and the sufferings He would endure at the hands of religious leaders. He also reveals His ultimate victory over death through resurrection.
Psalm 22:6
“But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by everyone, despised by the people.”
Psalm 22 provides a prophetic description of the crucifixion of Jesus. This verse portrays Jesus as despised and scorned by people, highlighting the rejection and humiliation He experienced on the cross.
John 7:5
“For even his own brothers did not believe in him.”
John attests to the rejection of Jesus by His own brothers, highlighting the extent of disbelief and rejection even among those who should have known and supported Him.
Luke 4:28-29
“All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this. They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him off the cliff.”
This verse recounts an incident where the people of Nazareth rejected Jesus and tried to kill Him. It portrays the extreme response to His message, demonstrating the depth of rejection He faced.
John 12:37
“Even after Jesus had performed so many signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him.”
Despite witnessing numerous miracles performed by Jesus, many people still refused to believe in Him. This verse reflects the persistent rejection Jesus experienced from those who witnessed His power.
Psalm 118:23
“The Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.”
This verse follows the prophecy of the rejected stone becoming the cornerstone. It acknowledges the work of the Lord in exalting the rejected and declares it as a marvel to behold.
Acts 7:51
“You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You are just like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit!”
Stephen chastises the Jewish religious leaders for their ongoing rejection of God’s messengers, including Jesus. He highlights their stubbornness and resistance to the work of the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 26:56
“But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.”
As Jesus is arrested, the fulfillment of the prophecies becomes evident. This verse also reveals the rejection of Jesus by His disciples, who ultimately abandoned Him in His most crucial hour.
Isaiah 49:7
“This is what the Lord says—the Redeemer and Holy One of Israel—to him who was despised and abhorred by the nation, to the servant of rulers: ‘Kings will see you and stand up, princes will see and bow down, because of the Lord, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you.'”
This verse prophesies the rejection and subsequent redemption of Jesus, highlighting the acknowledgment and submission of kings and princes before Him. It reveals the ultimate triumph despite initial rejection.
Mark 14:50
“Then everyone deserted him and fled.”
Following Jesus’ arrest, all His disciples abandoned Him. This verse depicts the extent of rejection Jesus faced, even from those who had been closest to Him during His ministry.
Isaiah 53:4
“Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted.”
Isaiah’s prophecy speaks of the rejection and suffering Jesus would endure on behalf of humanity. It shows that people misunderstood His purpose and considered His affliction as punishment from God.
Mark 9:12
“Jesus replied, ‘To be sure, Elijah does come first, and restores all things. Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer much and be rejected?'”
In response to the disciples’ inquiry, Jesus affirms the coming of Elijah but questions why it was also prophesied that the Son of Man must suffer and be rejected. He brings attention to the divine plan and fulfillment of Scripture.
Psalm 31:11
“Because of all my enemies, I am the utter contempt of my neighbors and an object of dread to my closest friends—those who see me on the street flee from me.”
David’s psalm speaks of his personal experience, which foreshadows the rejection that Jesus would face. It describes the isolation and fear caused by the contempt and rejection of both enemies and closest allies.
Isaiah 50:6
“I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting.”
This verse from Isaiah portrays the suffering and rejection that Jesus would endure. It captures the intense physical abuse and humiliation He willingly submitted to for the sake of humanity’s redemption.
Mark 15:19
“Again and again they struck him on the head with a staff and spit on him. Falling on their knees, they paid homage to him.”
As Jesus is mocked by the soldiers, they not only physically abuse Him but also mockingly pay homage to Him. This verse illustrates the irony in their rejection of Jesus, as the soldiers unknowingly acknowledge His true identity.