What does rejecting Jesus' messengers in Luke 10:16 reveal about one's faith? Context of Luke 10:16 Luke 10 records Jesus sending out seventy-two disciples to proclaim the kingdom of God. He assures them: “Whoever listens to you listens to Me; whoever rejects you rejects Me; and whoever rejects Me rejects the One who sent Me” (Luke 10:16). What Rejection Says About One’s Faith • Unbelief in the Lord Jesus – Rejecting Christ’s messengers equals rejecting Christ Himself, showing an absence of saving faith (John 3:18; John 13:20). • Rejection of the Father – Because Jesus is the exact representation of the Father, refusing Him is refusal of God (John 12:44-45). • Hardness of Heart and Spiritual Blindness – A hardened heart resists divine revelation (Hebrews 3:12-13; 2 Corinthians 4:4). • Alignment with the World, Not with God – “Whoever wishes to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God” (James 4:4). The world’s values oppose Christ’s. • Disregard for Apostolic Authority – “Anyone, therefore, who rejects this instruction does not reject man, but God” (1 Thessalonians 4:8). A genuine believer receives apostolic teaching (1 John 4:6). • Evidence of Impending Judgment – Cities that spurned the seventy-two faced harsher judgment than Sodom (Luke 10:12-15). Persisting in rejection brings condemnation (John 12:48). Positive Contrast: Receiving the Messenger • Marks a Heart Open to Truth (Acts 17:11). • Demonstrates Love for Christ and the Father (John 14:23). • Brings Kingdom Blessing and Reward (Matthew 10:40-42). Practical Takeaways • Test your response to God’s Word; receiving His messengers reveals genuine faith. • Support and welcome faithful gospel workers; in doing so you honor Christ and the Father. • Maintain confidence when opposed; rejection of the message targets Christ, not merely the messenger. |
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