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Book of John - Chapter 1 - Verse 11

1:11
He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

Meaning

The verse "He came unto his own, and his own received him not" is found in the Gospel of John, chapter 1, verse 11. This verse speaks to the rejection of Jesus by his own people, the Jewish nation. It highlights the irony and tragedy that the Messiah, the long-awaited Savior, came to his own people, but they did not recognize him or accept him. Despite Jesus being sent to fulfill the prophecies and promises of the Old Testament, many of the Jewish people rejected him because he did not conform to their expectations of a powerful earthly king. This rejection ultimately led to Jesus' crucifixion, but it also paved the way for salvation to be offered to all people, regardless of their background or nationality. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and accepting Jesus Christ as the Messiah, even when he may not come in the way we expect or desire.

Theological Overview

John 1:11 speaks about the rejection of Jesus by His own people, the Jews. The theological interpretation of this verse suggests that Jesus, the long-awaited Messiah, came to fulfill the promises and prophecies of the Old Testament, yet His own people did not recognize Him as such. This rejection highlights the spiritual blindness and hardness of hearts that many people have when confronted with the truth of Jesus' identity. The phrase "his own" can also refer to the world that God created, which rejected Jesus as the Savior. This rejection serves as a sobering reminder of humanity's tendency to reject God's grace and salvation, even when it is offered freely. Additionally, word studies on the term "received" in this verse can reveal that it implies more than just a lack of acceptance, but a deep-seated refusal to acknowledge and embrace Jesus as the promised Messiah. Overall, John 1:11 underscores the tragic reality of Jesus' rejection by His own people, illustrating the importance of recognizing and accepting God's presence in our lives.

American Standard Version

He came unto his own, and they that were his own received him not.
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