
Text: Luke 10:1-20; Psalm 66; Isaiah 66; Galatians 6
Theme: “Rejection and Acceptance”
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Intr – An 18-year-old came to her father with a request: “Dad, you know the time has come for me to go to college and work on my future. That means I need to invest more time and money in it. Do you think you can help me? Is there a way we could raise the money I need?”
Imagine if the father simply replied, “Well, that’s your problem. I’ve done my part so far—now it’s time for you to find your own way in life.” You might think, “That wouldn’t happen!” Or maybe the opposite: “Yes, I’ve seen it happen.”
Either way, the feelings involved here are not foreign to any of us: acceptance and rejection. The girl was seeking the former. If the father responded the way I just described, he would be giving her the latter.
Acceptance and rejection are words that are part of our daily vocabulary—if not in our mouths, at least in our minds. We are accepting and rejecting things, people, ideas, and more, on a daily basis. If you stop to think about it, most relational problems in the world—which in turn trigger larger problems—boil down to this: acceptance or rejection. Resentment, vengeance, payback. Or joy, gratitude and reciprocity.
Why am I talking about these two fundamental aspects of our life? Because in the Gospel of Luke, not only in today’s text but in the broader context, we see both at play. The surrounding chapters to Ch. 10 include episodes such as: “Who is the greatest?”, “Who is for or against us?”, “A Samaritan village rejects Jesus”, and “The cost of following Him.”
Then, in chapter 10, Jesus sends the 72 in pairs to proclaim the Gospel – the Kingdom of God has come near. He gives them specific instructions—carry no bag, greet no one on the road, stay where you are welcomed, shake the dust where you are not. Jesus’s instructions prepares them not only for moments of joyful acceptance but also for the pain of rejection. And rejection can cut deep into our souls—it’s not just about the message being dismissed, but sometimes it feels like we are being dismissed. If not acknowledged and brought to Christ for healing, it may leave scars we carry silently for years.
Paid acceptance
A tempting solution in our world today is to think in terms of paying to be accepted—because that’s often how it works in real life. If that would be case… How much would we be willing to pay to be accepted?
How much would you pay to get into that university you always dreamed of? How much for that perfect vacation, or to become a member of an exclusive group? What’s the price tag of being accepted, integrated, and valued in society? We spend large amounts on clothes, shoes, accessories, cars, houses—whatever it takes to feel accepted by the groups we admire. Human beings are willing to pay a high price for the feeling of being included. We crave belonging. But what if there’s a completely different kind of acceptance available?
Full and Free acceptance
But here’s where everything changes. All of the above may have some significance and importance in our lives. We actually need social acceptance; we are social beings. However, there is only one kind of acceptance that truly changes your life. How much would you be willing to pay for that?
The good news is: You don’t have to pay. And truthfully, you couldn’t even if you tried. This acceptance is freely given.
If you want to feel—not only feel, but know—that you are truly accepted, turn to verse 20: “Rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Where there is repentance and faith, there is God’s acceptance. God’s love in Jesus and his work on the cross give you full assurance that you are accepted. Freely, unconditionally and permanently. He forgives your sin, he restores your soul and leads you to a life where the sowing and the reaping, as Paul states in Galatians, go together. Not because you are perfect, but because he is.
Comfort in real life
This is the heart of the Gospel—God’s free acceptance through Jesus. It’s free, it’s complete, and it’s permanent. Your name is written in heaven—not because of what you’ve done, but because of what Jesus has done. But you may be wondering, ‘ ‘Pastor, that sounds wonderful in theory, but how does this translate to the struggles I face every day?’ Let me put this in perspective with some real-life moments.
What if someone you deeply love—someone you hurt in the past—finally accepts your apology? What if the university of your dreams accepts your application—or your child’s? What if the person you admire most in music, sports, or any field, invited you over for a coffee? What if the King invited you to stay at the Palace for a week? Would that feel special? I bet it would.
Now put this in perspective: what if God Himself accepts you? Not a mere energy, not a concept; not a psychological crutch. Not a king, a famous personality or the HR of the job of your dreams. We are talking about God. If being accepted by other human beings is already so important, what about being accepted by the Creator of the Universe, Savior, Redeemer and Comforter? Through faith in Jesus, you are not just “special,” not just “accepted,” not just “first in line” or “customer of the month.” Your name is written in heaven. You are His.[1]
Because Jesus didn’t choose the easiest path on earth—a path that may have brought Him more social acceptance—but instead chose the right path, which led to much rejection, your sin is now rejected, and you are accepted as a child of God.
Acceptance and rejection in real life
As Christians, we will certainly experience acceptance—from those who are glad to see us live with integrity, even when it’s hard. But we’ll also face rejection—from the cold wall of indifference, arrogance, questioning, mockery, and even denial.
This rejection for our faith isn’t a sign that we’re doing something wrong. When Jesus walked this earth, He faced constant rejection from religious leaders, skeptics, and even His own townspeople. He was misunderstood, mocked, and ultimately crucified. Yet He persevered because He knew His Father’s acceptance was complete and permanent. In the same way, when we face rejection for living out our faith—whether it’s being passed over for a promotion because of our integrity, losing friends because of our values, or facing ridicule for our beliefs—we can trust in God’s Will and His perfect timing.
Jesus reminds us: “The one who hears you hears Me, and the one who rejects you rejects Me” (Luke 10:16). Even in rejection, we are not alone—He goes with us, bears it with us, and redeems it for His purpose. If faithful love and practice bring rejection, it is not about you; it is about Him. Do you feel rejected in life? Turn to Jesus. Are you tempted to take the easy way out instead of standing your ground in faith? Turn to Him. Do you rejoice in being accepted and even in suffering for His name? Thanks be to Jesus! And from that joy, we extend this same acceptance to our neighbor.
When in doubt, go back to verse 20: The disciples came back with amazing testimonies—even demons had submitted to them! But Jesus reminds them to not rejoice in that; he says “Rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
Cc – Back to the illustration that opened this sermon. After hearing his daughter’s request, the father smiled, embraced her lovingly, and said: “My dear, I’m so glad you asked. Actually, the dollars you need are already prepared for you. Your mother and I started a savings account in your name the year you were born. It’s already done. It’s already yours.”
Do you feel anxious? Rejected? Sad? Wounded? Melancholic? You are accepted. The Father has already prepared forgiveness, love, joy, and welcoming—in abundance. He hears your prayers. He hears your heart. He hears you. In a world of rejection, remember that you belong to the family of the Father in whose presence you will always find full acceptance, salvation, and love. Amen.
[1] The other texts for this Sunday underscore this precious blessing. Isaiah 66 confirms this truth. And if we still have doubts, God uses the highest earthly image of acceptance and love: a mother’s love for her child. Psalm 66 reminds us why we can trust this: The psalmist speaks of an awesome God—whose deeds are unmatched. We can be certain that if God accepted His people in the past, and loved them through trial and joy, He will do it again.