Jesus offended almost everyone he met. Teachers, pharisees, religious leaders, disciples, ordinary working Jews … they all got the same treatment.
He went out of his say to say and do things that provoked them.
Why? To reveal what was in their hearts.
It didn’t make him too popular. The Jewish leaders were so offended, they had him killed. So it was pretty clear what was in their hearts.
Another time, Jesus seemingly suggested that his disciples become cannibals (John 6:53-55) … something their errant ancestors tried in Lamentations 4:10. Then he innocently asked them: ‘Does this offend you?’
You can almost hear him adding: ‘I hope so!’
In Matthew 11:6, Jesus spoke to his cousin’s disciples about people taking offence. That’s important. We either take offence, or we don’t. It’s our choice.
That doesn’t play well in our ‘tolerant’ society, where those terrifying people with eggshell personalities are offended by just about everything.
They say they believe in diversity, but they’ll get you arrested if you offend them with Bible truths.
They even create Safe Spaces – offence free zones. I find crawling under the duvet works better.
Will they ask Jesus into their Safe Spaces? One man-mad woman tried it in John 4, and ended up unmasked and uncomfortable.
But she didn’t rush off to a human rights lawyer. Her open attitude led to real repentance, religious reform and regional revival.
Expect Jesus to offend you today. He might use someone’s behaviour. Or the fact that they sat in your usual seat in church.
It might be some new teaching, a new expression of the Holy Spirit, or someone who disagrees with your theology.
Your reaction will pinpoint something in your heart that needs to change.
Does this offend you? I hope so. And I hope that you cope with it better than I usually do!