Read John 1:10-13
10 He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. 11 He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. 12 But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. 13 They are reborn — not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. (NLT)
Discover
1. How did the world respond to Jesus? What about His own people?
2. What is the result of believing and accepting Jesus?
3. What is the source of rebirth?
Respond
Today’s verses paint several stark contrasts. First, the very world God made didn’t recognize His Son. Second, the very people Jesus came to live among rejected Him. Third, people’s response to Jesus determines both their identity and their destiny. As opposed to rejecting Him, the choice to believe Him leads to adoption as His children.
There are many contexts in our world today where people refuse to recognize Jesus or have outright rejected Him. Even in our own lives, we can accept Him in certain areas but shut Him out in others. Doing this means neglecting our position as adopted sons and daughters, shutting out the full freedom He offers.
Is there an area of your life where you’ve done this? Perhaps keeping God at arm’s length or shutting Him out completely? Acknowledge it to Him in prayer, releasing your will and letting Him in. Thank Him for being a Savior who has given you new birth, and ask Him to show you a next step to surrender and fully follow Him.
Want to go deeper? Read Isaiah 53:1-6 for a prophecy written hundreds of years earlier about Jesus’ rejection and ultimate purpose to restore and heal us. Let these words prompt gratitude as you invite Him into every part of your life.