The words of Jesus are so powerful and are designed to help us enjoy Bible truths which demand we take time to slowly read the text. Think about these words from the Sermon on the Mount. “Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet and turn and tear you in pieces” (Matt. 7:6).
Can you imagine how strange these words sounded to those who first heard them. Just before talking about this, our Lord talked about motes and beams, specks and logs, inside men’s eyes. He then turned his attention to puppies and pigs.
It is remarkable how easy it is to understand these words when you read the rest of the Bible. Casting pearls in the feet of swine becomes so understandable when you read more of the words Jesus later used. When he sent out the apostles on the commission limited to the Jews, He said, “And whoever will not receive nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet” (Matt. 10:14). The holy message they were trying to deliver had so obviously been rejected by “dogs” and trampled under the feet of “swine.”
Isn’t that what Jesus did when He was on trial. For three years He had given the Jews that which God sent Him to deliver. What did He do when He was being mocked? The Lamb of God lead to the slaughter did not open His mouth. His holy message as precious as pearls had been rejected.
Isn’t this what Paul did at Antioch. After His first message in the synagogue the whole city, both Jews and Gentiles, came to that place the next week. When the Jews saw this, they were envious and began interrupting him, contradicting, blaspheming and opposing Paul. His response to these Jews? “It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles” (Acts 13:45-46). They had openly rejected the holy message, and Paul told these “dogs and swine” they had trodden that message under their feet.
So do not blame yourselves when others say to you, “Don’t ever talk to me about Jesus, quit wasting your time.” Do not think that you are a failure. You saw the value of their souls, but by their fruits you can know that you have done all you can—at this time. It is a waste of time to give the holy message, precious as costly pearls, to those who openly reject it. Perhaps later they can be taught, but not at this time.
Our commission is for all mankind, and every person we know needs to hear the message. Do not feel guilty when you are rejected. They even rejected Jesus!