Scripture: John 1:11 (ESV) – “He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him.”
John 1:11 is a verse filled with sorrowful significance: “He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him.” This statement strikes at the heart of Christ’s mission and the tragedy of His rejection. Jesus came to those who were most prepared to welcome Him—the people of Israel, God’s chosen nation. They had the Law, the Prophets, and centuries of preparation pointing to the coming of the Messiah. Yet, when He arrived, they did not receive Him.
This rejection is a sobering reflection of the human heart’s hardness. Despite all the prophecies fulfilled in Christ, all the miracles He performed, and the words of life He spoke, many of His own people turned away. They preferred the familiarity of their traditions, the security of their religious structures, and their preconceived ideas of what the Messiah should be. The true Light of the world was standing among them, and they refused to see.
But before we become too quick to judge the Israelites, we must examine our own hearts. How often do we resist the presence and work of Christ in our own lives? We might not reject Him outright, but do we not sometimes push Him aside when His will challenges our comfort or demands our obedience? Do we close our hearts to His transforming grace when it disrupts our plans or convicts us of sin? The truth is that all of humanity, apart from God’s grace, has a natural tendency to reject Christ.
Calvin also reminds us that this verse is a testament to the patience and long-suffering of our Lord. Despite being rejected by His own, Jesus did not abandon His mission. He pressed on, enduring the cross, so that salvation could be extended to all who would believe. What grace and love He has shown us, even in the face of such rejection! It is a reminder of the boundless mercy of God, who continues to call sinners to Himself, even those who initially turn Him away.
This verse calls us to humility, gratitude, and repentance. Humility, because we see that apart from God’s grace, we too would reject Him. Gratitude, because Christ did not turn away from His mission even when He was rejected. And repentance, because there are still ways we resist His Lordship in our lives. Let us be people who receive Him with joy and live in obedience to His word.
Reflection Questions:
- Are there areas in your life where you are resisting Christ’s presence or authority?
- How can you live in a way that continually receives Jesus with gratitude and obedience?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, we are humbled by the truth that You came to Your own, and yet were rejected. Forgive us for the ways we, too, have resisted Your presence and work in our lives. We thank You for Your patience and mercy. Help us to receive You wholeheartedly, to live in joyful obedience, and to share Your grace with those who still need to know You. Amen.
*edited and modernized from John Calvin’s sermon on John 1:11*
Covenant Presbyterian Church 