What is the meaning of Matthew 11:6? Blessed Jesus again pronounces a beatitude, the same word that opens the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:3-11). Here as always, “blessed” speaks of God’s settled favor, not a fleeting mood. Scripture repeatedly describes this favor as: • Deep-rooted joy that endures hardship (Psalm 1:1-3; John 15:11). • A present assurance of God’s smile and a future inheritance (Revelation 1:3; 22:7). Because every word of Scripture is true and trustworthy, we can take this promise at face value: God Himself declares the person in view genuinely blessed. is the one The promise narrows to a single individual—yet the wording is deliberately open-ended. “The one” can be anyone who meets the condition. Similar invitations appear throughout the New Testament: • “Whoever believes in Him shall not perish” (John 3:16). • “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13). • “If anyone hears My voice and opens the door” (Revelation 3:20). The singular points to personal responsibility. No crowd can decide for us; each heart must respond. who does not fall away The phrase pictures a stumbling traveler. Jesus warns against tripping over Him—becoming offended, disillusioned, or embarrassed so that we abandon faith. Scripture shows several common trip points: • Persecution or pressure (Matthew 13:20-21). • Hard sayings that clash with human wisdom (John 6:60-66). • Love of the world’s approval (2 Timothy 4:10). Yet the same Word assures that genuine disciples persevere: “We are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed” (Hebrews 10:39). Holding fast proves faith’s authenticity (1 John 2:19). on account of Me. The offense centers on Jesus Himself—His claims, His cross, His call to absolute loyalty. Throughout history people have stumbled over: • His humble birth and familiar upbringing (Mark 6:3). • His demand to repent and lose one’s life for His sake (Luke 9:23-24). • His exclusive role as the only way to the Father (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). • The scandal of the cross, “a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles” (1 Corinthians 1:23). Yet Isaiah foretold both the stumbling stone and the sure cornerstone (Isaiah 8:14; 28:16; 1 Peter 2:6-8). Blessing belongs to those who look past every surface offense and rest their trust on Him alone. summary Matthew 11:6 promises God’s lasting favor to anyone who refuses to let disappointment, pressure, or cultural scorn drive them from Christ. The blessed person takes Jesus at His word, stands firm when following Him is costly, and finds in Him an unshakable cornerstone rather than a stumbling stone. |
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