Offended in Jesus – Matt 11
“And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.” — Matthew 11:6
We live in a world where everyone feels they have the right to be offended. People get offended over many things, but nothing and no one causes as much offence to mankind as the Lord Jesus Christ.
This happened during the time of Christ. In Matthew 9:34, the Pharisees were offended that Jesus was impressing the multitudes with His demon-casting out abilities, so they said He cast them out with the power of Satan! No sure how that works, but that’s what they said! Jesus told his disciples in Matthew 10:22 that they would “be hated of all men for my name’s sake…”
Now in Matthew 11, we read of John querying whether Jesus is truly “he that should come” (the promised Messiah). It sounds like John is doubting Jesus, but he is probably wanting clarification because as the forerunner of the Messiah he is now in prison. Like many Jews, he rightfully understood the Messiah as someone who will throw off their oppression and set up a kingdom. They did not realise that before the crown would be the cross.
So, now Jesus points out the obvious proofs of His miracles and says, “blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me!” Jesus goes on to affirm John as the greatest man to ever be born and to condemn the people who heard him and Jesus. They were not happy with either of them (v.16-19). They did not repent at the works they saw Jesus do (v.20-24). They were not humble enough to listen and see (v.25-26).
On the other hand, those who are not offended by Jesus, His commands, His call, His cross, will have the Father revealed to them and will find rest for their souls (v.27-30).
Does the gospel offend you? Does it offend you that Jesus claims to be the only way to God? Does it offend you that He allowed difficult things to happen to you? Offence is an indication of pride. It is us saying we deserve better.
If we were more humble (like children – “babes” v.25) we would understand and be blessed. Without such childlike humility, the gospel will never save, it will only offend, and we will be lost. May we repent of our pride and our offence. May we humbly believe on Jesus and follow Jesus and be blessed.