Rejection, We can Learn from the best …. Jesus

Main message: Jesus suffered deep rejection and abandonment on the cross, including feeling forsaken by the Father, but that rejection did not define him—God used it to provide an example and to point toward resurrection.

Key points:

• Jesus experienced rejection repeatedly (from a city, betrayed by disciples, denied by a friend, abandoned by followers).
• He endured intense physical suffering on the way to and on the cross (crowns of thorns, scourging, nails).
• On the cross he cried out that he was forsaken, coinciding with darkness from the sixth to the ninth hour.
• The speaker suggests the Father allowed Jesus to feel rejection so people would learn from his example.
• Behind every experience of rejection is the hope and reality of resurrection.

Scriptures mentioned: Matthew 27:45-46, Genesis 1:3 ("Let there be"), John 8:12 ("I am the light of the world")