John 1:11 (KJV)
He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
Encouragement for Today
This verse can hit close to home. Jesus came “home,” to people who knew God, who had heard the stories, who were waiting for salvation. And yet: they did not receive Him. It shows how easy it is to miss Jesus, even when you are close to faith and church.
You might recognize that. You can sit in church, take part, even know a lot, and still have a heart that is closed because of disappointment, busyness, shame, or pain. Sometimes you think, “First I must get my life in order.” Or, “God must be tired of me.” But John 1:11 does not say Jesus stayed away. He did come. He knocked. He reached out.
It is also a mirror for us as a community. If Jesus enters our habits and opinions today, do we truly receive Him? Or do we keep distance because He challenges us, calls us to forgive, and asks for love that costs something?
Jesus does not only want a place in your schedule. He wants to be welcomed in your heart, even with all that is still unfinished.
In the church:
- We are polite, but we miss real care for those who feel alone
- We sing about grace, yet we keep someone locked in their past
- We cling to “this is how we do it,” and we forget the person
In society:
- We shut people out through prejudice or harsh words
- We choose comfort over mercy
- We talk about problems, but we do not listen to stories
Receiving often starts small: noticing, listening, making room.
Question to Pause and Reflect
Where is your heart (or our community) keeping Jesus at a distance? What would it mean to truly receive Him?
Closing Thought
Even when people reject Him, Jesus keeps coming. He is not looking for perfect people, but for an open door.
Take This With You
- Being near faith is not the same as receiving Jesus.
- Jesus comes to you today as well.
- An open heart begins with one honest prayer: “Lord, come in.”