Rejected for Doing Good Works

~~~ Jeremiah 20:10-13 ~~~ Psalm 18 ~~~ John 10:31-42 ~~~

The Jews picked up rocks to stone Jesus.
Jesus answered them, 
“I have shown you many good works from my Father.
For which of these are you trying to stone me?”

The crowd picked up rocks to stone Jesus.
They are accusing Jesus of speaking irreverently against God.
They accuse him of the serious crime of blasphemy.
They are taking issue with Jesus claiming to be the son of God.

Jesus tries to explain to them that he is doing what the Father
 has sent them to do.
Jesus did appoint himself...
God consecrated him...
God sent Jesus as his representative.
Jesus gives these non believers an option.
He says to them.
Look if you don't believe me what about my works?

"...even if you do not believe me,
believe the works, so that you may realize and understand
that the Father is in me and I am in the Father."

Jesus had been healing the lame, casting out demons,
making the sick well, even raising the dead,
but still they reused to accept.

Jesus must have been frustrated that his own people rejected him.
It gives me great comfort to know that Jesus
went around only doing good works and was labeled as a blasphemer.

It is important that we find our selves in Scripture.
We have all been rejected at some point in our lives by someone.
Perhaps we have we have been rejected by our own family members.

If Jesus, who went about doing good works is rejected;
we should not be surprised or hurt when
 we find ourselves in a similar painful position.

We are on the cusp of Holy Week.
On Palm Sunday, Jesus will be triumphantly welcomed
only to suffer the greatest rejection through his passion and crucifixion. 

Lord, please bless us with hope in you even
 in spite of rejection.

Let not the fear of rejection halt
our continuing endeavors to perform good works.

Peace.