GREAT THINGS ENTERPRISE
CLAUDE BLACK
Mark 8:13
The Refining Fire of Rejection
A customer wanted to debate with a salesman about a machine, perhaps seeking a lower price. At some point in the conversation, the salesman realized that he was not going to make a sale to this particular customer, so he abruptly wished the customer good day, dismissed him, and walked away.
On the southwest side of the Sea of Galilee, in the region of Dalmanutha, some Pharisees learned of Jesus’ presence and went to test him. All the wording in this account implies that this was not a friendly meeting. They wanted to debate or test Jesus in order to discredit him before the audience. They wanted a sign from him—specifically, a miraculous sign. Sighing deeply, Jesus told the crowd that this generation wanted a sign, but they would not receive a sign. It’s possible to understand that the phrase “this generation” doesn’t refer only to the skeptical, doubting crowd of Dalmanutha but to every generation that fits into the same mold.
Then St. Mark wrote, “And leaving them, again embarking, he went to the other side.” (Mark 8:13) The word rendered “leaving” in this instance suggests an abrupt dismissal. There was a point in this discussion when Jesus realized he would have no influence on “this generation,” so he embarked and sailed away. His departure in itself could be interpreted as a sign to “this generation.”
In a recent article, a pastor told about his experience in leading a church that didn’t approve of his evangelistic methods, so he resigned his position. Another congregation invited him to lead their church. His evangelistic methods flourished, and the congregation had a major influence in its community. Rejection is never a pleasant experience, but rejection is not the same as the end. The Pharisees rejected Jesus as this congregation rejected the pastor’s leadership, but other opportunities awaited.
Vincent van Gogh sold only one painting during his lifetime. He was rejected and ignored by critics. But he is now recognized as one of the masters. Walt Disney was once fired from a newspaper job for a lack of imagination. After one early performance, a manager told Elvis Presley, “You ain’t going nowhere, son. You ought to go back to drivin’ a truck.” A coach cut Michael Jordan from his high school varsity basketball team. Someone pointed out that “rejection doesn’t define a person—it refines them.” The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone (Matthew 21:42; Mark 12:10; Luke 20:17).
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