“When the men were come unto him, they said, John the Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou He that should come? or look we for another? And in that same hour He cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind He gave sight. Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in Me.” Luke 7:20-23
You have to love Jesus lol. They had a question, He demonstrated the answer, then responded. He was basically saying “Have you seen this done before?” “Neither has John.” Drop the 🎤 This is weird because John baptized Him and introduced Him to the world. He heard God announce at the baptism that this was His Son! John was offended by something, but Jesus sent a warning back. Don’t be offended and you’ll be blessed.
“Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, “But, Lord, why do you intend to show Yourself to us and not to the world?” Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and We will come to them and make Our home with them. Anyone who does not love Me will not obey My teaching. These words you hear are not My own; they belong to the Father who sent Me.”
John 14:22-24 NIV
There are those who believe and teach an all inclusive gospel. Inclusive in the sense that anything goes. Live like hell, but die and go to heaven. Question the authority and authenticity of God’s Word, die and go to heaven. Claim Jesus was just another good man or prophet, die and go to heaven. Deny the cross and Jesus’ finished work, die and go to heaven. Claim Jesus is not the only way to heaven, die and go to heaven. I can go on, but I’m sure you’ve gotten my point.
May I ask you a question? Which heaven are we talking about? God’s heaven or the heaven of man’s desire? Because there is a difference. I used to watch the award shows, I no longer do. But they will perform a profanity laced song, then at the end say giving honor to god. I used lower case “g” because they’re certainly not referring to my God. Yes! I’m judging. The Bible says by their fruit, you will know them. The fruit I’m witnessing is not of God.
The gospel is and will always be offensive to those who want to live a life without accountability or submission. As a matter of fact Paul puts it this way. Let’s read together: “The Message that points to Christ on the Cross seems like sheer silliness to those hellbent on destruction, but for those on the way of salvation it makes perfect sense. This is the way God works, and most powerfully as it turns out. It’s written, I’ll turn conventional wisdom on its head, I’ll expose so-called experts as crackpots. So where can you find someone truly wise, truly educated, truly intelligent in this day and age? Hasn’t God exposed it all as pretentious nonsense? Since the world in all its fancy wisdom never had a clue when it came to knowing God, God in his wisdom took delight in using what the world considered stupid— preaching, of all things!—to bring those who trust him into the way of salvation.”
1 Corinthians 1:18-21 MSG need I say more?
The preaching of the gospel is offensive, especially when it reveals or exposes the truth. Remember the stone in the hog pen? Whenever the Word convicts a Pharisee, they scream foul. Jesus answered the question as to why He wouldn’t waste time trying to convince people whose minds were already made up to disprove the Word, if it didn’t fit their narrative or worldview. He put it this way: “Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.” Matthew 7:6
I told you it was offensive. But that was spoken by the Gentle Jesus. It’s amazing what you’ll discover when you read your Bible.
In one of my earlier messages I posted, I answered the question of why we share as well as how we share what we believe. We never force but there’s an urgency to our message. The coming of the Lord is nearer now than when we first believed. So we share the good news with those who’re interested or not. And if they’re not receptive, we’re told to shake the dust off of our feet and keep it moving (Matthew 10:14). The Lord knows those who are His. But we never discriminate or pick and choose who we share with. The believing and receiving is the work of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes we’ll know that what we’re hearing is the truth, but if you allow your heart to be hardened, you’ll end up bitter and offended.
The question by Judas (not Iscariot) I love that John made a distinction between the two Judas’ because it helps us understand or differentiate between the two men. Judas Iscariot was always offended. That’s why betrayal came easy for him. Every time he spoke he was offended by something. The woman anointing Jesus’ feet with the expensive perfume was offensive to him. So John wanted us to know who was asking the question.
Judas asked “why are you telling just us?” Jesus replied, “Because you obey my teachings.” I shared in an earlier message that He reveals His secrets to His VIP’S.
So don’t be offended, just believe! The Word was not written in secret and locked in a vault. You’re holding it in your hands. Search the scriptures with an open heart, and the Spirit of Truth will guide you into all truths. God is One with His Word. You can believe it from cover to cover. If He allowed it to be written, it was on purpose. He didn’t make a mistake. Don’t allow what was intended to bring you eternal life be a stumbling block.
So are you offended? Today is your day to be free of offenses. The greatest peace is found in an unshackled heart. I never ask people to try God. He’s not an article of clothing. He’s God Almighty! The Breath of Life in your lungs. But I will ask you, what have you got to lose trusting in Him? He only wants what’s best for you. This is why He didn’t cut corners when it came to our redemption. He sent heaven’s Best! Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God. Makes me want to shout! Hallelujah!! Move from the pit of offense to the throne room of reconciliation. In His presence there is fullness of Joy!
Heavenly Father, how blessed we are to know that you stand ready with our Intercessor, Jesus, at Your right hand to forgive us. You said there is therefore NOW, at the moment of our confession, no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. Thank You for bringing me from a place of offense to a place of reconciliation. How generous is Your love towards us. I accept your forgiveness and move forward in You. In Jesus Name. Amen
“Then He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come!”
Luke 17:1
Written by permission of the Holy Spirit
W. Tennant