What steps can we take to avoid being "offended" by difficult teachings? Scripture Focus “On hearing it, many of His disciples said, ‘This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?’ … Aware that His disciples were grumbling about this teaching, Jesus asked them, ‘Does this offend you?’ … From that time on, many of His disciples turned back and no longer walked with Him. So Jesus asked the Twelve, ‘Do you want to leave too?’ Simon Peter replied, ‘Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life.’” (John 6:60-61, 66-68) Setting the Scene Jesus had just taught that His followers must “eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood” (John 6:53). The crowd, steeped in literal hearing yet missing the spiritual import, balked. Many walked away. Peter, however, stayed, confessing that Jesus alone possessed life-giving truth. Their contrasting reactions show that difficult teachings expose the heart: they either drive us away or anchor us deeper. Why Hard Teachings Can Trip Us Up • They confront cherished assumptions. • They demand humble submission over personal preference. • They shine light on sin we would rather leave hidden (John 3:19-20). • They require faith beyond sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). Seven Practical Steps for Staying Unoffended 1. Reaffirm Christ’s supreme authority • “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me” (Matthew 28:18). • Decide beforehand that His word is final, whether easily embraced or difficult. 2. Remember the whole story • Place the hard saying inside the wider biblical narrative. • Trace how the same God who speaks hard words also demonstrates steadfast love (Psalm 136). 3. Ask the Spirit for illumination • “When He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13). • Pray specifically for clarity and conviction rather than comfort alone. 4. Compare Scripture with Scripture • Use clear passages to shed light on harder ones (2 Timothy 3:16). • Let cross-references guard against misinterpretation. 5. Submit mind and will, not just intellect • “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5). • Obedience often precedes fuller understanding (John 7:17). 6. Persevere within faithful community • The Twelve wrestled together; lone disciples walked away (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Seek counsel from mature believers who hold Scripture in high esteem. 7. Fix eyes on eternity • Peter stayed because Jesus had “the words of eternal life.” • Matthew 11:6 reminds us, “Blessed is the one who does not fall away on account of Me.” Putting It into Practice • When a teaching pricks your conscience, pause instead of fleeing. • Talk the passage through with a trusted, Scripture-anchored friend. • Write out the text, noting verbs that reveal God’s character. • Choose one action of obedience, however small, and do it promptly (James 1:22-25). By anchoring ourselves in Christ’s authority, seeking the Spirit’s help, and walking in fellowship, we can meet Scripture’s hardest sayings not with offense but with the confident confession, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life.” |
    |