He came to his own, and those who were his own didn’t receive him. But as many as received him, to them he gave the right to become God’s children, to those who believe in his name: who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1:11-13 WEB
The apostle John begins his gospel account with these famous words from John 1:1, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. WEB” As one of Jesus’ twelve closest disciples, John experienced the ministry, death and resurrection of Christ in an unusually up close and personal way. John had the privilege of witnessing Christ’s rejection while experiencing the proofs of his divinity.
In verses eleven through thirteen of the first chapter of his gospel account, John describes Jesus’ appearing to his own people and his subsequent rejection. He continues, presenting Christ as Savior to any and all who receive him. John teaches that those who accept Christ become God’s children.
The nation of Israel had a unique opportunity to receive the Lord first. And, to be clear, some of the repentant Jews of the time did in fact recognize and follow Christ. But, the majority of the children of Jacob did not believe in Christ as the Messiah promised in prophecy. On the contrary, they became his accusers, causing the Romans to crucify Jesus on the cross.
Despised and Rejected
As his coming to the people of Israel was predicted in scripture, so too was his rejection. We read in 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. NIV” The very people who should have most easily recognized and welcomed Christ were the Jews. But instead, they despised and rejected him.
Christ’s rejection by his own people opens the door for all people to receive him and become God’s children. Verses twelve and thirteen in the first chapter of John’s gospel sum up the gospel message. Salvation does not come through a bloodline but through faith in God. As John writes in John 1:12, “as many as received him, to them he gave the right to become God’s children, to those who believe in his name. WEB” All people from all nations who repent from sin and accept Christ become God’s children.
Prayer: ‘Father God, thank you for accepting me into your holy family. Thank you for my salvation. Guide me to do your will here on earth. Give me wisdom and understanding to share the gospel message with the world. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Your Advantage
