Judges 11:1-3 From Rejection to Righteousness: The Calling of Jephthah

Judges 11:1-3 From Rejection to Righteousness: The Calling of Jephthah

Introduction

An “underdog” story is usually something that has public appeal. One of the most popular underdogs we know, we often forget, was not always what they are now. Take Mickey Mouse, for example—a household name and image. Did you know Walt Disney was fired from his first job because he wasn’t “creative” enough? Now, there’s a Disney World in multiple countries.

As Christians, what we will be known as is not what we once were. This transformation is only accomplished by the work of Christ.

1. A Man Unworthy (What We Once Were)

Jephthah was introduced as “a mighty warrior, but he was the son of a prostitute” (Judges 11:1). One of the most intimate and shameful details of his life was recorded in Scripture—his origin labeled him in the eyes of others.

Some people carry similar scars: defined by where they were born, who they were born to, or events they’ve endured. People assign lasting shame to past labels. For Jephthah, it was always “but his mother was a prostitute.”

Yet, Scripture declares that who we once were is not who we are in Christ:

  • 1 Corinthians 12:2–3: We were once led astray by idols, but now proclaim Jesus as Lord by the Holy Spirit.
  • Ephesians 4:20–24: We put off the old self and are renewed in our minds, created in righteousness and holiness.
  • Ephesians 5:8–10: Once darkness, now light—so walk accordingly.
  • Titus 3:3–7: We were once foolish and enslaved to sin, but saved by God's mercy and made heirs by grace.

Even Jephthah, despite his shameful origin, is listed in Hebrews 11 alongside David and Samuel. The difference wasn’t his birth—it was his faith (Hebrews 11:32, 39–40).

2. A Man Rejected

Jephthah was driven out by his own family: “You shall not have an inheritance… for you are the son of another woman” (Judges 11:2). His rejection mirrors a pattern in redemptive history where the deliverer is cast out by the very people he’s sent to save.

Consider:

  • Joseph: Rejected, thrown into a pit, sold into slavery (Genesis 37:21–28).
  • Moses: Tried to intercede and was told, “Who made you a prince and judge over us?” (Exodus 2:11–15).
  • David: Not even considered by his father Jesse when Samuel came to anoint the king (1 Samuel 16:10–11).

This pattern points us to Christ:

  • Isaiah 53:3: Rejected and despised by men.
  • John 1:9–11: He came to His own, and they did not receive Him.
  • John 8:12–13: Even when Jesus declared Himself the Light, the Pharisees rejected His testimony.

Why does God often choose the rejected? So that no one can boast—salvation belongs to the Lord (1 Corinthians 1:26–31).

3. A Man of Influence

Though cast out, Jephthah became a leader: “Worthless fellows collected around Jephthah, and went out with him” (Judges 11:3).

This reminds us of the disciples. Who among them was worthy? None. Who supported Jesus in His darkest hour? None. Yet He still gave them leadership in His eternal kingdom.

The gospel transforms “worthless fellows” into citizens of heaven. In Christ, we are:

  • Made to know the Father’s love
  • Given insight into the world to come
  • Declared righteous before a holy God
  • Adopted as children of God

Jephthah’s influence, like ours, should be examined: What do we point others toward? What are we building them into? What life are we inviting them to follow?

Conclusion

  • Faith in Christ changes us—it brings light where there was once darkness.
  • The Savior was rejected so that we, the rejected, could be accepted.
  • God uses the unworthy and unwanted to show His grace. Don’t despise your influence.

Scripture References

  • 1 Corinthians 12:2–3 – Faith in Christ marks a change in spiritual identity.
  • Ephesians 4:20–24 – Put off the old self and walk in holiness.
  • Ephesians 5:8–10 – We are now light; walk as children of light.
  • Titus 3:3–7 – Salvation by grace, not by works, brings renewal.
  • Hebrews 11:32, 39–40 – Jephthah listed among the faithful.
  • Genesis 37:21–28 – Joseph’s betrayal and rejection by his brothers.
  • Exodus 2:11–15 – Moses rejected by his fellow Israelites.
  • 1 Samuel 16:10–11 – David overlooked by his father.
  • Isaiah 53:3 – Christ rejected and despised.
  • John 1:9–11 – Christ came to His own, but they did not receive Him.
  • John 8:12–13 – Jesus’ claim met with rejection by the Pharisees.
  • 1 Corinthians 1:26–31 – God uses the lowly to shame the proud.

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