DEALING WITH REJECTION IN EVANGELISM
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Matthew 10:14
"And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet."
Supporting Texts: John 15:18-20, Luke 10:16, Acts 13:50-51, 2 Timothy 4:2-5, 1 Peter 4:14
INTRODUCTION:
Rejection is one of the biggest challenges in evangelism. Many believers hesitate to share the gospel because they fear being turned away, mocked, or ignored. However, rejection is not new. Even Jesus, the apostles, and the early church faced rejection as they preached the good news.
Matthew 10:14 reminds us that rejection should not discourage us but rather strengthen our resolve. When people refuse to listen, it is not us they are rejecting, but Christ (Luke 10:16). Evangelism is not about personal success but about obedience to God’s command.
In this study, we will examine the reality of rejection in evangelism and how to handle it biblically.
1. UNDERSTANDING WHY REJECTION HAPPENS
Recognising the reasons for rejection helps us respond correctly.
a) The world rejects Christ, not just you (John 15:18-20)
Jesus warned that His followers would be rejected just as He was.
b) Spiritual blindness prevents people from receiving the gospel (2 Corinthians 4:3-4)
Satan blinds the hearts of unbelievers, making them resistant to the truth.
c) People love darkness rather than light (John 3:19-20)
Many reject the gospel because they do not want to change their sinful ways.
d) Fear of social pressure or persecution (John 12:42-43)
Some believe but refuse to confess Christ openly due to fear of others.
e) Biblical Example: The rejection of Jesus in Nazareth (Luke 4:28-30)
Even in His hometown, Jesus was rejected when He preached the truth.
2. BIBLICAL RESPONSE TO REJECTION
When we face rejection, our response should align with Scripture.
a) Do not take it personally (Luke 10:16)
People are rejecting Jesus, not you, so do not be discouraged.
b) Shake off the dust and move on (Acts 13:50-51)
Paul and Barnabas faced rejection but continued preaching elsewhere.
c) Respond with love, not anger (Romans 12:14)
Bless those who reject you, and do not repay evil with evil.
d) Keep sowing the seed (Ecclesiastes 11:6)
Some may reject the message today, but the seed of God’s Word remains in them.
e) Biblical Example: Paul’s perseverance despite rejection (Acts 18:5-6)
When the Jews rejected his message, Paul turned to the Gentiles instead of giving up.
3. TRUSTING THE HOLY SPIRIT TO CONVICT HEARTS
Evangelism is a spiritual work, and conviction comes from God.
a) Only the Holy Spirit can convict people of sin (John 16:8)
Our role is to share the message; God’s Spirit does the convicting.
b) God’s Word never returns void (Isaiah 55:11)
Even when people reject the gospel, the Word of God continues working in their hearts.
c) Prayer is key to breaking resistance (Acts 16:14)
The Lord opened Lydia’s heart to receive the gospel—He can do the same today.
d) Keep praying for those who reject the gospel (Romans 10:1)
Paul prayed for Israel’s salvation despite their resistance to Christ.
e) Biblical Example: Nicodemus’ gradual transformation (John 3:1-2, John 19:39)
Nicodemus initially came to Jesus by night, but later openly followed Him.
4. FINDING ENCOURAGEMENT IN TIMES OF REJECTION
Encouragement from Scripture and testimonies helps us stay strong.
a) Rejoice when rejected for Christ’s sake (Matthew 5:10-12)
Those who suffer rejection for Christ are blessed.
b) Remember that even Jesus was rejected (Isaiah 53:3)
If Jesus was despised and rejected, we should expect the same.
c) Keep your eyes on the eternal reward (2 Timothy 4:7-8)
Faithful evangelism brings eternal rewards from God.
d) Surround yourself with fellow believers (Hebrews 10:24-25)
Encouragement from other Christians strengthens us in times of rejection.
e) Biblical Example: The apostles rejoicing after persecution (Acts 5:40-42)
Despite being beaten and threatened, they continued preaching with joy.
5. NEVER GIVE UP ON EVANGELISM
Persistence in evangelism leads to fruitfulness.
a) Some will eventually believe (Acts 17:32-34)
Even when many mocked Paul’s message, a few believed and were saved.
b) Your labour in the Lord is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58)
Every effort to share the gospel is valuable in God’s kingdom.
c) Keep growing in knowledge and boldness (2 Timothy 2:15)
The more you prepare and pray, the more confident you become.
d) Evangelism is a command, not an option (Mark 16:15)
We must preach the gospel, whether people accept it or not.
e) Biblical Example: Noah’s persistence despite rejection (2 Peter 2:5)
Noah preached for years without converts but remained faithful.
CONCLUSION:
Rejection in evangelism is inevitable, but it should not discourage us from sharing the gospel. Jesus Himself was rejected, and He warned us that we would face the same. However, we must remain faithful, knowing that we are planting seeds that God will water in His time.
The gospel is a message of love and salvation, and even when people reject it today, they may accept it tomorrow. Our role is to obey God’s call, trust the Holy Spirit, and never grow weary in witnessing. Keep pressing on, for great is your reward in heaven!
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, give me boldness to share the gospel despite rejection.
2. Holy Spirit, soften the hearts of those who hear Your Word.
3. Father, strengthen me to keep evangelising, no matter the opposition.
4. Lord, open doors for me to reach those who are ready for salvation.
5. I rebuke every spirit of discouragement in my evangelism efforts.
