Offended By Jesus

Are we offended by Jesus at Christmas time? If he walked the earth today would we be offended by him? Let’s examine the real Jesus and being offended at Jesus in Matthew 11:2-11.

Are You the One?

Matthew 11:2-3 And when John had heard in prison about the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples 3 and said to Him, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?”

Are we offended by Jesus? John the Baptist doubted. Was Jesus the ONE? He was different than expected. He was a pacifist not a freedom fighter. Jesus ate and drank with sinners. He preached repentance and the kingdom and turned the other cheek. He healed and preached the Good News.

Are we are disappointed in Jesus? He did not encourage tongues, Sabbaths, prayers to Mary, or rosaries. He did not teach about nationalism or a materialistic gospel. He condemned abusive, authoritarian religious leadership. He healed, preached to the poor about giving and self-sacrifice, and a kingdom not of this world.

Are we frustrated by Jesus? John was an activist and revolutionary. Jesus was a healer and teacher. Jesus did not make John a disciple. John looked for a political Messiah. Are we disappointed with Jesus, His life of poverty, dying on a cross or do we wait patiently for salvation?

Not Offended by Jesus

Matthew 11:4-6 Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: 5 The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them. 6 And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.”

What do we think about when we hear about Jesus, a little baby in a manger, or someone who heals lives and preaches to the poor? Instead of an imaginary Jesus of our wishes, let us get to know the real Jesus and be grateful for who he really is.

Is our salvation found in ways of this world? Jesus used no worldly methods. The blind received sight, the lame walked, lepers were cleansed, the deaf heard, the dead were raised up, and the poor heard the good news. This is what the Messiah looks like. He is the one.

Have we created a fake Jesus in our minds? Do vain human traditions and picture the truth about Jesus? Denominationalism, politics, and traditions only divide us. Do we build a Jesus that we created, because we are disappointed with the simplicity of the real Jesus? The real Jesus unites us.

I Send My messenger

Matthew 11:7-12 As they departed, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 8 But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. 9 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet. 10 For this is he of whom it is written: ‘Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.’

Christmas was rescued from paganism. Yet, Christmas is again becoming a pagan festival, the pursuit of profit, the focus on gifts, parties, the stampede for merchandise and the pressure to spend. There is still a voice of one crying in the wilderness. Let’s rescue Christmas from paganism all over again.

The Violent Take it by Force

Matthew 11:11-12 “Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.

God’s kingdom suffered violence when John was murdered. Violent people take the kingdom by force. The Greek word can also be translated as zeal and certainly ardent zeal is needed for Christians to enter God’s kingdom. Christianity is not the easy path. It is an ongoing spiritual battle against evil.

Do we know the real Jesus or have we created a fictitious Jesus? Are we expecting Him to create a cushy Disneyland for us, now or do we look forward to that day when He will return and take over the governments of this world? Have we put our faith in the real Jesus?

Readings

Isaiah 35:1-10

1 The wilderness and the wasteland shall be glad for them, And the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose; 2 It shall blossom abundantly and rejoice, Even with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, The excellence of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the Lord, The excellency of our God.