Rejection Does Not Stop the Mission

Rejection Does Not Stop the Mission

From Rock Harbor Church by Brandon Holthaus

March 8, 2026 · 58 min

About this episode

This episode discusses how rejection does not halt God's mission, as seen in the ministry of Jesus and the calling of His disciples.

In Matthew 9 and 10, we see a turning point in Messiah's ministry. The religious leadership has formally rejected Him, but the mission does not stop. It expands. Jesus looks at the multitudes and sees people weary and scattered, like sheep without a shepherd. Though the nation's leaders have rejected Him, His compassion has not diminished. The harvest is still plentiful. So what does He do? He builds a new leadership core. Jesus calls His twelve disciples — men who are not yet corrupted by the religious system — and He empowers them. He gives them authority over demons, authority to heal, and authority to proclaim the Kingdom of God. He not only gives them the message, He gives them the power to authenticate the message. He selects the right men. He empowers them. He instructs them. He mobilizes them. He prepares them for opposition. This section shows us a powerful principle: Rejection does not stop God's program. It advances it. Though Israel as a nation is moving toward judgment, the groundwork is being laid for something greater — the eventual expansion of the gospel beyond Israel and the formation of the Church. When the system rejects truth, God raises up new vessels. When…

People in this episode

Host: Brandon Holthaus

Topics covered

  • rejection
  • mission
  • leadership
  • compassion
  • gospel expansion
  • discipleship

Keywords

  • rejection
  • mission
  • Jesus
  • disciples
  • Kingdom of God
  • Matthew
  • gospel

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Matthew 9, Matthew 10

Places: Kingdom of God

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