Paris Reidhead's sermon 'The Failure of Christ' reflects on Jesus' lament over Jerusalem, emphasizing His desire to gather His people under His wings, yet they refused. He illustrates how Jerusalem, a symbol of God's presence and peace, became a place of rejection, leading to desolation. Reidhead connects the historical significance of Jerusalem with the sacrificial love of Christ, who died for the sins of humanity, and stresses that the only barrier to salvation is the unwillingness of individuals to accept His invitation. The sermon serves as a poignant reminder of God's longing for reconciliation with sinners and the tragic consequences of rejecting His grace.

Carter Conlon delivers a powerful sermon titled 'The Willingness to Kill Jesus,' emphasizing the tragic reality of how religious blindness can lead people to reject and even crucify the Son of God. He draws parallels between the historical rejection of Jesus and the modern-day tendency to prioritize human reasoning over divine truth, urging believers to recognize their need for Christ's supernatural power in their lives. Conlon highlights the importance of yielding to God's will and allowing Him to glorify His name through us, rather than relying on our own strength or understanding. He calls for a heartfelt commitment to embrace God's calling and to be a true reflection of His glory in the world. The sermon concludes with an invitation for listeners to surrender their lives to Christ and seek His glory above all else.

Thomas Brooks emphasizes the severity of rejecting Christ and His gospel, arguing that such contempt is worse than the sins of Sodom and Gomorrah. He warns that those who refuse to accept God's grace and mercy will face far greater judgments than the destruction of those ancient cities. Brooks highlights the eternal consequences of disbelief, asserting that the punishments awaiting gospel-despisers will be far more severe than the historical punishments of Sodom. He uses scripture to illustrate the gravity of rejecting the Son of God, reminding listeners of the dire fate that awaits those who turn away from His offers of salvation.

John Nelson Darby expounds on Mark 12, illustrating the incompetence of the Jewish leaders who rejected God's messengers, culminating in the rejection of His Son. He emphasizes that Israel, as God's vineyard, failed to produce fruit despite the privileges granted to them, leading to their judgment and the transfer of God's favor to others. The sermon highlights the wisdom of Christ in addressing the Pharisees, Herodians, and Sadducees, revealing their hypocrisy and misunderstanding of God's word. Darby concludes with the importance of true devotion, as exemplified by the widow who gave all she had, contrasting her genuine sacrifice with the empty offerings of the rich. Ultimately, the message calls for recognition of Christ's authority and the need for sincere faith and obedience.

R.A. Torrey discusses the rejection of Jesus in Nazareth, emphasizing His deep love for the house of God and His familiarity with Scripture. He highlights how Jesus boldly proclaimed His mission to bring good news to the poor and set captives free, yet faced skepticism and anger from His own people. The sermon illustrates the stages of rejection Jesus experienced, from initial admiration to outright hostility, and underscores the importance of perseverance in the face of opposition. Torrey encourages believers to follow Jesus' example of unwavering commitment to His mission, regardless of the response from others.

A.W. Tozer emphasizes the tragic moral failure of the nation of Israel in failing to recognize Jesus as the Messiah, despite their unique covenant with God. He points out that this rejection represents the greatest moral blunder in history, as Jesus came to His own people and was not received. Tozer warns against Christians who blame the Jews for this rejection, highlighting that they possess spiritual insights and benefits that the Jews did not have. He calls for self-reflection among believers, urging them to acknowledge their own responsibilities rather than casting blame. Ultimately, the sermon challenges listeners to fully embrace the resources of God and recognize their own spiritual state.

Peter Brandon emphasizes the contrast between the will of God and the will of man, illustrating God's patience and passionate desire for humanity's salvation, as seen in Jesus' lament over Jerusalem. He warns against the dangers of rejecting God's call, highlighting the consequences of desolation for those who turn away from His love. Brandon urges listeners to recognize the urgency of accepting Christ, as God's will is not only to save but to bless and protect His children. He passionately conveys that God longs for a relationship with each individual, calling them by name and inviting them to come to Him. The sermon serves as a loving reminder of the importance of responding to God's persistent call to repentance and faith.

J.R. Miller's sermon 'Unrequited Love' reflects on the profound rejection Jesus faced from His own people, despite His unwavering love and the blessings He offered. He highlights the contrast between the devoted few who accepted Christ and the larger nation that opposed Him, culminating in their ultimate betrayal. Miller emphasizes the severe reproofs Jesus delivered to the religious leaders for their hypocrisy and lack of true faithfulness. Despite the pain of rejection, Jesus maintained His love, weeping over Jerusalem and longing for their acceptance, ultimately responding to their betrayal with the promise of redemption. This sermon calls us to reflect on our own responses to Christ's love and the importance of genuine faithfulness.

Mike Bickle discusses Zechariah 11, emphasizing Israel's rejection of the humble king, Jesus, and the subsequent judgment they faced, including the Roman invasion in 70 A.D. He highlights the tragic irony of Israel's acceptance of a false shepherd, the Antichrist, who deceives them into believing he will bring peace. Bickle draws parallels between the historical rejection of Jesus and the future acceptance of the Antichrist, underscoring the importance of recognizing true leadership and the consequences of turning away from God. Ultimately, he points to the hope of restoration and revival for Israel at the second coming of Christ.

Horatius Bonar reflects on the tragic scene in Matthew 8:34, where the whole city comes out to meet Jesus but ultimately begs Him to leave their region. This stark contrast between their initial enthusiasm and their subsequent rejection of Christ highlights a deep-seated fear and misunderstanding of His true purpose. Bonar emphasizes that the people were drawn to Jesus for His miracles but repelled by the implications of His power over sin and their own lives. Their request for Jesus to depart symbolizes a missed opportunity for salvation and a profound wronging of both the Savior and themselves. The sermon serves as a poignant reminder of how often we, too, may reject the very help and healing we need.

John Nelson Darby expounds on Matthew 8, illustrating how Jesus began His ministry among the Jews, showcasing His divine power and compassion through miracles, such as healing a leper and casting out demons. He emphasizes that Jesus, while fulfilling the law, also opened the door for Gentiles to enter the kingdom, highlighting the faith of a centurion as a pivotal moment. The sermon reflects on the rejection Jesus faced from His own people, despite His acts of grace and healing, and the moral implications of this rejection. Darby notes that Jesus' presence was both a source of healing and a challenge to the status quo, ultimately leading to His rejection by those He came to save. The chapter serves as a profound reminder of the tension between divine grace and human unbelief.

John Nelson Darby discusses the rejection of the nation of Israel and the transition to a new system under Christ, emphasizing that Jesus, as the Son of God, stands alone in a world judged by its rejection of Him. He highlights the significance of Jesus' actions on the Sabbath, illustrating His authority over the law and the covenant, and the necessity of mercy over sacrifice. The sermon also addresses the Pharisees' blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, warning of the dire consequences of attributing God's work to Satan. Ultimately, Darby concludes that true kinship with Christ is defined by doing the will of the Father, marking a shift from earthly ties to spiritual ones. This pivotal moment in Matthew 12 sets the stage for the new work of Christ and the proclamation of the kingdom.

John Nelson Darby preaches on Luke 22, illustrating the profound enmity of the carnal mind against God as evidenced in the rejection of Christ by people, priests, and rulers. He emphasizes the perfect patience of Jesus amidst betrayal and suffering, showcasing His divine knowledge and human affections as He prepares for His sacrificial death. Darby highlights the necessity of recognizing human weakness and the importance of prayer and communion with God during trials, contrasting the disciples' reliance on their strength with Christ's perfect obedience. The sermon culminates in the establishment of a new covenant through Christ's blood, calling believers to remember His sacrifice and walk in humility. Ultimately, it reflects on the rejection of Christ and the grace available to those who acknowledge their need for Him.

Chuck Smith discusses the parable of the vineyard, illustrating how God entrusted Israel to religious leaders who failed to produce fruit. He emphasizes that these leaders rejected God's messengers, culminating in their rejection of Jesus, the beloved Son. Smith warns that those who resist the Stone, which symbolizes Christ, will face dire consequences, while those who humble themselves before Him will find salvation. The sermon serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and responding to God's authority and the consequences of rejecting His call.

Zac Poonen emphasizes the profound message of Isaiah 53, highlighting the rejection of Christ as a despised figure rather than a powerful ruler. He points out that true acceptance of the gospel requires embracing the cross, which is often met with disdain in today's world, just as it was in the first century. Poonen urges believers to reflect on their response to both the promises of God and the call to take up their cross, noting that many Christians struggle with this balance. He illustrates the importance of silence in the face of criticism, contrasting it with the need to praise God openly. Ultimately, he reminds us that just as Jesus was crushed for our sake, we too may face misunderstanding and rejection in our walk of faith.

Thomas Brooks addresses the tragic rejection of Jesus by the Jews, emphasizing their persistent refusal to acknowledge their sin in crucifying the Lord of glory. He highlights the consequences of this rejection, including their suffering and scattering throughout history, and notes their continued animosity towards Christians, particularly those who convert from Judaism. Brooks reflects on Jesus' lament over Jerusalem, illustrating the missed opportunity for peace due to their blindness and hardness of heart. The sermon serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of recognizing and accepting Christ.

John Nelson Darby expounds on Luke 23, illustrating the profound rejection of Christ by both religious leaders and civil authorities, culminating in His crucifixion. He emphasizes the complete guilt of both Jews and Gentiles, as Pilate, despite declaring Jesus innocent, succumbs to the pressure of the crowd. The sermon highlights the moral depths to which humanity can sink, yet also showcases the grace of Christ, particularly through the salvation of the repentant thief on the cross. Darby underscores that true salvation comes not from human effort but through faith in the finished work of Christ, who offers immediate peace and assurance of eternal life. The closing scenes of Christ's death reveal the significance of His sacrifice, opening the way to God and demonstrating the power of faith amidst despair.