BeLovedSample

Scandal to Savior - Jesus Understands

From the very beginning of His earthly story, Jesus was misunderstood.

Mary was betrothed, a legally binding engagement, more serious than modern Western engagements. When she was found to be pregnant, Joseph’s heart must have broken; the emotional complexity was immense: betrayal, confusion, disappointment, perhaps even shame. His first thought was to divorce Mary; however, an angel confirmed the divine origin of the child, and Joseph's heart was relieved. However, what about the extended community - what did they believe? Miraculous conception was not heard of. Who would believe it?

Nazareth was small. People talk. Whispers would’ve spread fast. What did children say to Jesus on the carpentry playground of his day? Was he mocked, teased, belittled?

We know these narratives existed because in Mark 6, we see Jesus returning to His hometown, only to be met with scorn: “Isn’t this Mary’s son?” This was no casual comment. In Jewish culture, men were identified by their fathers—even deceased ones. To call Jesus the “son of Mary” was a jab. A wound. A reminder of the rumor.

Later in John 8:41, we see it happen again. The religious leaders deliver an even sharper blow: “We are not illegitimate children.” The implication? But you are. Jesus knows what it feels like to live under a label He didn’t deserve. Jesus knows what it feels like to have narratives thrown at him, declaring he does not belong. Knowing Jesus understood brought me great comfort when I wrestled with the narrative of believing I was "a mistake" upon finding my birth certificate and parents' marriage certificate, and seeing they were 6 months apart.

May this insight into the life of Jesus bring you comfort through knowing you are not alone. Jesus knows what painful narratives thrown at us can feel like. May this bring you a sense of growing trust as you lean in with your pain story that left you feeling like you don't belong. Know that Jesus bore that shadow so He could meet us in ours, and rewrite our inner narratives with truth.

Reflection Questions:

1. Have you ever carried a label you didn’t choose, or an inner belief that left you feeling like you don't belong?
2. How might Jesus’ experience help you reframe your own pain story?

Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for stepping into a scandal so You could meet me in mine. You understand rejection and shame, and yet You never let it define You. Anchor my heart in the truth that I am chosen, loved, and known by the Father. Amen.