Sermon Study #251 – DON’T GO “SKANDALIZO”
(skandalizo) – Greek word for “offended” – Jesus admonishes His followers not to go skandalizo on account of Him or His word.
Key Passage: Mat 11:1 After Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in the towns of Galilee. Mat 11:2 When John heard in prison what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples Mat 11:3 to ask him, "Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?" Mat 11:4 Jesus replied, "Go back and report to John what you hear and see: Mat 11:5 The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.
Mat 11:6 Blessed is the man who does not fall away (go skandalizo) on account of me."
“Fall away” - KJV “offended” – Greek word is: skandalizo, skan-dal-id’-zo ("scandalize"); to entrap, i.e. trip up (fig. Cause to stumble [trans.] or entice to sin, apostasy or displeasure):--(make to) offend.
JESUS ADMONISHES HIS FOLLOWERS TO NOT GO SKANDALIZO ON ACCOUNT OF HIM OR HIS WORD
(1) TOUGH TIMES WILL COME – DON’T GO SKANDALIZO!
John 16:1 "All this I have told you so that you will not go astray (go skandalizo). John 16:2 They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God. John 16:3 They will do such things because they have not known the Father or me. John 16:4a I have told you this, so that when the time comes you will remember that I warned you.
(2) PETER PROMISES NOT TO GO SKANDALIZO!
Mark 14:27 "You will all fall away (go skandalizo)." Jesus told them, "for it is written: "’I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ Mark 14:28 But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee." Mark 14:29 Peter declared, "Even if all fall away (go skandalizo), I will not." Mark 14:30 "I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "today--yes, tonight--before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times." Mark 14:31 But Peter insisted emphatically, "Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you." And all the others said the same.
(3) STAND FOR THE WORD (TRUTH) – DON’T GO SKANDALIZO!
Mark 4:15 Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them. Mark 4:16 Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy. Mark 4:17 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away (go skandalizo).
