How Do You Respond to the Cross? Rejection, Remorse, or Repentanceنموونە

Day 1 - Rejection

The first common response to the cross is rejection. Why? It’s because the cross acts like a mirror; it reveals our true nature. It forces us to confront who we are. It reveals our sins to us. It goes beyond our religious appearances or rituals. Many claim to be religious, yet their lifestyles reject the message of the cross. We see two different groups of religious leaders in the Bible, the Pharisees and the Sadducees. The Pharisees rejected Jesus because He exposed their religious hypocrisy. The Sadducees rejected Jesus because He preached about the resurrection, which they denied. These two opposing groups worked together and were united to plot Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion. Many people also reject the message of the cross, viewing it as foolishness (1 Corinthians 1:18). In our society today, when someone speaks the truth about the cross or teachings of Jesus Christ, they are often rejected whether in the media, the workplace, or business. Remember, whenever darkness is exposed, the evil forces work to silence the truth. Having grown up in Pakistan, where persecution is common, I know that many Christians around the world face daily rejection and suffering. Despite this, they continue to grow in their faith and are often brutally martyred for it. The reason they are willing to die is because they hold fast to the promise of Jesus. “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first." – John 15:18

Another way we reject the cross is by picking and choosing which parts of the Bible we want to follow. Many of us embrace only the promises that sound good such as blessings, prosperity, healing, and encouragement while ignoring the harder truths of the Bible. We enjoy hearing the messages that inspire and motivate us, but we turn away from teachings that call for sacrifice, suffering persecution, daily obedience, and holy living. As leaders of our Junior Youth group in our local Church, my wife and I wrote a short skit titled “Feel Good Church.” The skit illustrated how people often choose churches or pastors based on the messages they want to hear, ones that make them “feel good” about themselves rather than challenging them. It was a powerful reminder that true faith isn’t about picking or choosing what to follow, but about following all of God’s Word, even when it challenges us. Whether we fully or partially reject the cross, it is still rejection! Jesus calls us to fully surrender, not just pick and choose what is convenient for us to follow. God does not reject you. His grace is always available. God is always ready to forgive and restore you. The cross is a reminder of His love for you.

Reflection: How often do we reject the cross in our daily lives without even realizing it?

Prayer: Dear Lord, grant me the spiritual clarity to embrace the message of the cross wholeheartedly. In a world that constantly rejects it, help me to stand firm, accept it fully, and boldly proclaim the truth. Amen.