Topical Encyclopedia In the New Testament, the concept of offense, particularly in relation to Jesus Christ, is addressed with a focus on the blessedness of those who do not take offense at Him. This theme is encapsulated in the words of Jesus Himself, as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. When John the Baptist, imprisoned and facing uncertainty, sent his disciples to inquire if Jesus was indeed the Messiah, Jesus responded by highlighting His works and concluded with a profound statement: "Blessed is the one who does not take offense at Me" (Matthew 11:6).This declaration underscores a significant spiritual principle. The term "offense" in this context is derived from the Greek word "skandalon," which refers to a stumbling block or a cause for stumbling. Jesus acknowledges that His teachings, actions, and very identity could be a stumbling block to some, particularly those who held preconceived notions of what the Messiah should be. However, He pronounces a blessing on those who, despite potential doubts or societal pressures, choose to accept Him without taking offense. The blessedness of not taking offense at Christ is further illustrated in the broader narrative of the Gospels. Jesus' ministry often challenged the religious and cultural norms of His time. His association with sinners, His teachings on the Kingdom of God, and His claims of divinity were radical and, to some, offensive. Yet, those who embraced Him, such as the disciples and many of the early followers, found themselves blessed with a deeper understanding of God's redemptive plan and the joy of salvation. The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in his epistles, where he speaks of the "offense of the cross" (Galatians 5:11). The message of the cross, which is central to the Christian faith, was a stumbling block to both Jews and Gentiles. To the Jews, it was a scandalous notion that the Messiah would suffer and die. To the Gentiles, it was foolishness. Yet, for those who believed, it was the power of God for salvation (1 Corinthians 1:18). In the conservative Christian tradition, the blessedness of not taking offense at Christ is seen as an invitation to trust in God's wisdom and sovereignty, even when His ways are beyond human understanding. It is a call to faith that transcends cultural and personal biases, embracing the fullness of Christ's message and mission. The blessedness promised by Jesus is not merely an absence of offense but an active participation in the life and truth He offers. It is a state of spiritual well-being and peace that comes from aligning oneself with the purposes of God as revealed in Christ. This blessedness is available to all who choose to see beyond the potential stumbling blocks and recognize Jesus as the cornerstone of their faith. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 11:6And blessed is he, whoever shall not be offended in me. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Faustus Willing to Believe not Only that the Jewish but that all ... Faustus is Willing to Admit that Christ May have Said that He came ... Withholding Corn Matt. Iii. 13 A Last Look-Out The Open Fountain Having used these means to procure them 1 John i. 1-ii. 11 Confession of Sin Illustrated by the Cases of Dr. Pritchard and ... Book Ten from Autobiography to Self-Analysis. ... Resources What does the Bible say about forgiveness? What does it mean to forgive? | GotQuestions.orgDoes the Bible say anything about a pre-Adamic race? | GotQuestions.org Is it wrong for a Christian to have a roommate of the opposite sex? | GotQuestions.org Offence: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Offense: All Things That Cause, Shall be Gathered out of Christ's Offense: Blessedness of not Taking, at Christ Offense: Denunciation Against Those Who Cause Offense: Ministers should be Cautious of Giving Offense: Ministers should Remove That Which Causes Offense: Occasions of, Forbidden Offense: Occasions of, Must Arrive Offense: Persecution, a Cause of, to Mere Professors Offense: Punishment for Occasioning Offense: Saints should Avoid Those Who Cause Offense: Saints should be Cautious of Giving Offense: Saints should be Without Offense: Saints should Cut off What Causes, to Themselves Offense: Saints should Have a Conscience Void of Offense: Saints should not Let Their Liberty Occasion, to Others Offense: Saints should Reprove Those Who Cause Offense: Saints should Use Self-Denial Rather than Occasion Offense: Saints Warned Against Taking Offense: The Wicked Take, At: Christ Crucified Offense: The Wicked Take, At: Christ, As the Bread of Life Offense: The Wicked Take, At: Christ, As the Corner-Stone Offense: The Wicked Take, At: The Low Station of Christ Offense: The Wicked Take, At: The Necessity of Inward Purity Offense: The Wicked Take, At: The Righteousness of Faith Related Terms Transgression (70 Occurrences) |
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