The Event of Rejection and Killing refers to the pivotal moments in the New Testament where Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was rejected by His own people and ultimately crucified. This event is central to Christian theology, as it fulfills Old Testament prophecies and establishes the foundation for the salvation of humanity through Jesus' sacrificial death and subsequent resurrection.

Prophecies of Rejection and Suffering

The Old Testament contains numerous prophecies that foretell the rejection and suffering of the Messiah. Isaiah 53:3-5 describes the suffering servant: "He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows acquainted with grief. Like one from whom men hide their faces, He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. Surely He took on our infirmities and carried our sorrows; yet we considered Him stricken by God, struck down and afflicted. But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed."

Psalm 22 also vividly portrays the suffering and rejection of the Messiah, with verses that echo the crucifixion narrative, such as Psalm 22:16 : "For dogs surround me; a band of evil men encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet."

The Rejection of Jesus

The Gospels recount numerous instances where Jesus was rejected by the religious leaders and the people of Israel. In John 1:11 , it is stated, "He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him." Despite His teachings, miracles, and fulfillment of Messianic prophecies, Jesus faced opposition from the Pharisees, Sadducees, and other religious authorities who saw Him as a threat to their power and traditions.

In Matthew 21:42 , Jesus refers to Himself as the cornerstone rejected by the builders: "Jesus said to them, 'Have you never read in the Scriptures: "The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes"?'"

The Crucifixion

The culmination of Jesus' rejection is His crucifixion, a brutal form of Roman execution reserved for the most heinous criminals. The Gospels detail the events leading to His death, including His betrayal by Judas Iscariot, the trials before the Sanhedrin and Pontius Pilate, and the crowd's demand for His crucifixion.

In Mark 15:13-14 , the crowd's rejection is evident: "And they shouted back, 'Crucify Him!' 'Why?' asked Pilate. 'What evil has He done?' But they shouted all the louder, 'Crucify Him!'"

Jesus' crucifixion is described in all four Gospels, with particular emphasis on His suffering and the fulfillment of prophecy. In Luke 23:33-34 , it is written, "When they came to the place called The Skull, they crucified Him there, along with the criminals, one on His right and the other on His left. Then Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.' And they divided up His garments by casting lots."

Theological Significance

The rejection and killing of Jesus are not merely historical events but hold profound theological significance. Through His death, Jesus atoned for the sins of humanity, offering redemption and reconciliation with God. As stated in 1 Peter 2:24 , "He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By His stripes you are healed."

The Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of the crucifixion in 1 Corinthians 1:18 : "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."

Conclusion

The Event of Rejection and Killing is a cornerstone of Christian faith, demonstrating God's love and justice through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. It fulfills the prophecies of the Old Testament and paves the way for the resurrection, offering hope and salvation to all who believe.