I read a verse today that got me thinking. Matthew 11:6 – “Blessed is he who does not take offense at Me.”
The reason that got me thinking was because I’ve heard a lot of people talk about how “Jesus offended a lot of people.” Usually they’re referring to religious hypocrites and stuffed shirt types. But because of this verse, I don’t think that saying is true.
Jesus was (and is) the perfect balance between truth and love. He always spoke the truth, but he always spoke it in a way that was ultimately loving, even if it didn’t seem like it at the time. I personally believe that even in his anger (cleansing the temple, Mark 11:15-18) he was somehow loving. Don’t ask me how, I just believe it.
I don’t think Jesus ever does (or did) anything to purposefully offend us. I think what’s really going on is that he does things that we may choose to take offense about. It would be more accurate to say that a lot of people get offended at Jesus.
I mean, think about it. If he asks you a really tough question, what are you going to do? Humble yourself and accept his teaching? The only other option is to get offended. If you choose that option, you’re rejecting constructive criticism.
Jesus is not insulting. He wasn’t that way two thousand years ago and he isn’t that way now. Insulting is when you say something to someone just to make them feel bad. If people choose to get offended at Jesus, it’s because he loves them too much to let them remain in a place that is harmful, so he’s chosen to expose something that could risk the relationship. His love is so great that he will accept abuse and hate and offense if it means the objects of his love are benefitted.
“Blessed is he who does not take offense at Me.”
