The phrase "despised and rejected" is most prominently associated with the prophetic description of the Messiah in the book of Isaiah. This terminology captures the suffering and rejection that Jesus Christ, the prophesied Messiah, would endure during His earthly ministry. The concept is deeply rooted in the understanding of the suffering servant, a theme that runs throughout the Old and New Testaments.

Isaiah 53:3
The prophecy in Isaiah 53:3 is a cornerstone for understanding the Messiah's role as a suffering servant: "He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows acquainted with grief. Like one from whom men hide their faces, He was despised, and we esteemed Him not" . This passage foretells the rejection and suffering that Jesus would face, highlighting the paradox of the Messiah's mission—He came to save, yet was not recognized or accepted by His own people.

New Testament Fulfillment
The New Testament writers frequently reference Isaiah 53 to illustrate how Jesus fulfilled these prophecies. In the Gospels, Jesus is depicted as facing rejection from various groups, including the religious leaders, His hometown, and even His own disciples at times. John 1:11 states, "He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him" , underscoring the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy.

Rejection by Religious Leaders
The religious leaders of the time, such as the Pharisees and Sadducees, were among the most vocal in their rejection of Jesus. They viewed Him as a threat to their authority and traditions. In Mark 8:31, Jesus predicts His own suffering and rejection: "The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again" .

Rejection by the People
The broader populace also played a role in the rejection of Jesus. Despite His miracles and teachings, many did not believe in Him as the Messiah. In Luke 4:28-29, after Jesus speaks in the synagogue in Nazareth, the people are filled with wrath and attempt to throw Him off a cliff, demonstrating the depth of their rejection.

Theological Significance
The rejection of Jesus is not merely a historical event but holds deep theological significance. It underscores the humility and obedience of Christ, who willingly endured suffering and rejection to fulfill God's redemptive plan. Philippians 2:7-8 speaks to this humility: "He emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross" .

Application for Believers
For believers, the concept of being "despised and rejected" serves as a reminder of the cost of discipleship. Jesus warned His followers that they too would face rejection and persecution for His sake. In John 15:18-19, He states, "If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first. If you were of the world, it would love you as its own. Instead, the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world" .

The phrase "despised and rejected" thus encapsulates both the suffering of Christ and the anticipated experience of His followers, calling them to a life of faithfulness amidst adversity.