During this second week in the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises, I’m reflecting on the life and ministry of Jesus. One of the places I’m moved to meditate upon is the village of Nazareth. One of the saddest scenes in Jesus’ life takes place there. He’s the one hometown son who’s made it out and made it big. Now, Jesus has returned. It should be a moment of joy for both the hometown and its beloved son. But it’s not. Jesus is rejected. Turned away. Cast down. Despised.
Jesus certainly knew this would happen. And, he took his disciples with him-presumably so they could witness the event. In addition, Jesus goes on to be irrevocably tied to this rejection. Eleven times in the Gospels Jesus is called “Jesus of Nazareth.” Nazareth is synonymous with rejected. Turned away. Cast down. Despised. Jesus the Rejected. Jesus the Despised.
And in the end, of all that might be written about him, there are two phrases nailed to Jesus’ cross. According to John, the timbers of Jesus carried this identification: Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews (Jn. 19:19) This is the phrase Jesus carries to his death. It’s what’s written on his tombstone: Jesus the Rejected. Jesus the Despised.
What a comfort it is to follow one who has felt our own rejection. He can empathize with us. He can console us. Whether it’s our being rejected by a spouse, an employer, or a friend, Jesus understands our rejection. He’s walked in our uncomfortable shoes.
And what a challenge it is to follow one whose very name became synonymous with being critiqued and condemned. We cannot expect to follow “Jesus of Nazareth” and remain on the popular list. He’s not “Jesus of Hollywood” or “Jesus of Whatever Political Party is in Power” or “Jesus of Elite Athletes.” He’s “Jesus of Nazareth.” Rejected. Turned away. Cast down. Despised. Those who follow will become the same.
