He was despised and rejected—a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. Isaiah 53:3a
Layla is only 19 but she’s made a life-changing decision that’s come with a heavy price.
Layla lives in a country where following Jesus is illegal. The most important thing in Layla’s life has always been her family, so the worst thing she could imagine would be to bring shame to them. When she made the decision to follow Jesus, the rejection from her family was so painful. But Layla says, “I have come to understand that God offers refuge and care to all—especially to those who have been rejected or abandoned by their families.”
Jesus knew the anguish of that rejection. The Bible says that ” … even his brothers didn’t believe him” (John 7:5) and “He was despised and rejected—a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief” (Isaiah 53:3a).
Is family honor and loyalty an important part of your upbringing? If so, here’s the message of Jesus for you: God created you with glory and honor to live in His family. But our disloyalty disrespects God, and separates us from Him, making us spiritual orphans. Jesus’s disgraceful death covered our shame. Because of His death, we are adopted as God’s worthy children, with a new inheritance. By giving allegiance to Jesus, we again have harmony with God and are welcomed into his family, receiving His honor.[1]
God’s honor is even higher than the honor of our earthly families. Layla has found peace, hope and spiritual strength in God’s family. She still loves her earthly family and prays that they will come to understand God’s love through Jesus for them. If following Jesus has come at a high price for you, be encouraged. Jesus knows and is with you.
[1] Jayson Georges, “Honor and Shame: 9 Keys,” Zwemer Center for Muslim Studies, accessed July 15, 2025, https://www.zwemercenter.com/guide/honor-and-shame-9-keys/.
