What does Matthew 11:6 reveal about faith in challenging circumstances? Setting the Scene Matthew 11 records John the Baptist sending disciples to ask Jesus, “Are You the One who was to come, or should we look for someone else?” (v. 3). John is imprisoned, circumstances are dark, and Jesus is not overthrowing Rome as many expected. Into that tension Jesus says: “Blessed is the one who does not fall away on account of Me.” (Matthew 11:6) The Core Message of Matthew 11:6 • “Blessed” signals God’s favor, happiness, and spiritual well-being. • “Does not fall away” translates skandalizō—“to stumble, be offended, lose faith.” • Jesus links blessing with refusing to trip over who He is or how He works, even when He confounds expectations. Faith That Refuses to Stumble • Faith trusts Jesus’ identity before understanding His activity. • True belief clings to Christ when He answers differently than we planned. • Remaining “unoffended” keeps us in position to receive the promised blessing. Why Challenges Test Our View of Jesus 1. Unmet expectations—John expected Messiah to wield the axe (Matthew 3:10); instead, Jesus heals and teaches. 2. Confusing timing—God’s purposes unfold on His calendar, not ours (2 Peter 3:9). 3. Personal pain—Prison bars, loss, or delay can eclipse earlier confidence (Psalm 13:1-2). Encouragement from the Rest of Scripture • Isaiah 8:14-15—The Lord is a sanctuary, yet “a stone of stumbling” to some. • Romans 9:33—Whoever believes in Him “will not be put to shame.” • 1 Peter 2:6-7—Believers find honor; the disobedient stumble. • John 16:1—Jesus warns so His followers “will not fall away.” • Habakkuk 3:17-18—Rejoicing in God amid barren fields models the same steadfast trust. How to Cultivate “Unoffended” Faith Today • Anchor in Scripture daily—truth steadies emotions (Psalm 119:105). • Remember past faithfulness—rehearse answered prayers and providences (Psalm 77:11-12). • Submit expectations—ask God to align desires with His will (Luke 22:42). • Stay connected to the body of Christ—fellow believers reinforce hope (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Fix eyes on eternal promises, not present puzzles (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). Practical Takeaways • When circumstances clash with promises, choose to view Jesus through Scripture, not feelings. • Trials are invitations to deeper blessing—refuse to let disappointment harden into unbelief. • The greatest assurance: the One whose ways sometimes puzzle us is the same Savior who bled for us (Romans 5:8). Remaining “unoffended” keeps that truth clear and bright. |
    |