In Mel Gibson’s graphic portrayal of Jesus’ crucifixion in the film, The Passion of the Christ, one’s emotions are gripped by the awfulness of the physical torture Christ endured, a suffering beyond comprehension. Yet there is an anguish of greater severity that might be overlooked. It was an emotional and spiritual anguish—His aloneness.
Hundreds of years before the Crucifixion, the prophet Isaiah foretold Jesus’ suffering and rejection, writing in 53:3,
He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.As Jesus faced the culmination of His redemptive plan for all humanity, He experienced rejection by religious leaders who should have understood His mission. Even some of His closest followers turned their backs on Him. Then, on the cross, as He neared death, Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46). In that moment, even God the Father had to turn His back on the awfulness of sin that Jesus bore for our redemption.
Jesus understands rejection, pain, and loneliness more than any of us can imagine. He can relate to what you are going through at this moment. That’s why He can help you get through your time of trial, if you’re willing to trust Him.
In what ways have your experienced loneliness or rejection?
How does knowing about Christ’s experiences affect the way you look at loneliness?
How can you help someone deal with loneliness or rejection in his or her life?
In what ways haven't i felt loneliness and rejection this year. But i have especially felt it from those that i least expected it to ever come from. From being rejected, abanonded, and ostrizied from a group that was my core group of friends to dealing some parental rejection as well. The one place i haven't felt it has been LWF. Its been my home and true place to go to not only fell loved and appriciated but to feel connected to something greater than any thing... GOD. Sunday was one of those nights that was so free and liberating to really let God come and wrap me in his loving arms and allowing to feel the ever flowing love. I think the most important way to help some one deal with loneliness or rejection is to show them love, show that there is someone who truely cares about them, whcih can be done in so many ways its a matter of taking the time to find out what a person needs ( a sholder to cry on, an ear to listen, adivce, being invited to sit at a table for a meal... the list can go on) and being their to help meet that need.
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