Who to Offend?

So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.

Matthew 10:33



Take your choice, because you're going to offend someone. Either Jesus and the Father, or your friends or family or acquaintances who refuse to believe in Jesus' reconciliation He won for them. For Jesus says that in many places in many ways. He goes on to say in Matthew 10 that He didn't come to bring peace, but offense. His whole emphasis here in Matthew 10 is sending the disciples out and the two responses they will receive: those who receive His words are not offended (verse 13) but those who are offended by Jesus' words will receive unbearable judgment at the end. (verse 14)

It's as clear cut as Jesus puts it in Luke 11: "Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters." Neutrality is not possible spiritually! You're either with Jesus or against Him.

What is offensive about the words of Jesus? The cross and the scandal of particularity that is necessitated by it. It is offensive to normal human, flawed thinking. (1 Corinthians 1:18-31) There is no way to natural human intelligence that salvation can come through a God-man dying for us humans on a cross! That is scandalous, that is offensive! It is folly to those who are perishing!

But, to those who are being saved, it is the power of God! So, let us be about saving all that the Father chooses by speaking to them the truth of His words, the powerful gospel. Though some be snatched from the fires of hell and this Good News becomes the prized possession in their lives, yet others will continue to be greatly offended by it. Ours is not to resolve this great mystery, but to continue to witness to the truth and let those who are offended be offended, hoping that someday they are brought to the saving Light and Truth, Jesus Christ crucified for their sins. Let us make sure that God is not the offended party by our witness, but His Holy name is hallowed among us.