Topical Encyclopedia The concept of offense at the low station of Christ is a recurring theme in the New Testament, where the humility and humanity of Jesus Christ become a stumbling block for those who are proud or self-righteous. This offense is particularly evident among the wicked, who fail to recognize the divine nature and mission of Christ due to His humble earthly existence.Scriptural Basis The prophet Isaiah foretold the coming of a Messiah who would be despised and rejected by men. Isaiah 53:2-3 describes the Messiah as having "no stately form or majesty that we should look upon Him, nor appearance that we should desire Him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief." This prophecy highlights the lowly appearance and station of Christ, which would become a source of offense to many. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul addresses this issue in 1 Corinthians 1:23 , stating, "but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles." The crucifixion, a humiliating and degrading form of execution, was a significant point of offense. The Jews expected a triumphant political Messiah, while the Gentiles viewed the idea of a crucified savior as absurd. The Humble Birth and Life of Christ The circumstances of Jesus' birth and life further contributed to the offense taken by the wicked. Born in a manger in Bethlehem to a humble carpenter and his wife, Jesus' origins were far from the royal expectations many had for the Messiah. In Matthew 13:55-57 , the people of Nazareth express their disbelief, saying, "Is this not the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called Mary, and His brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas? ... And they took offense at Him." Jesus' association with the lowly and sinners also provoked offense. He dined with tax collectors and sinners, actions that scandalized the religious elite of His day. In Luke 7:34 , Jesus acknowledges this criticism: "The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look at this glutton and drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’" Rejection by the Religious Leaders The religious leaders of the time, particularly the Pharisees and Sadducees, were often offended by Jesus' teachings and actions. His authority and wisdom, despite His humble background, challenged their own positions and interpretations of the Law. In John 7:15 , the Jews marvel at His teaching, asking, "How did this man attain such learning without having studied?" Jesus' claim to be the Son of God was the ultimate offense to the religious leaders, who viewed it as blasphemy. In John 10:33 , they respond to Jesus, saying, "We are not stoning You for any good work, but for blasphemy, because You, who are a man, declare Yourself to be God." The Scandal of the Cross The cross itself is the pinnacle of the offense taken by the wicked. The idea that salvation could come through the suffering and death of a man, particularly one of such humble origins, was scandalous. Yet, it is through this very act of humility and sacrifice that the power and wisdom of God are revealed. As Paul writes in Philippians 2:7-8 , Christ "emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross." The offense at the low station of Christ is a testament to the profound mystery of the Incarnation and the redemptive work of God through Jesus Christ. It challenges human pride and calls for a recognition of God's ways, which often defy human expectations and wisdom. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 53:1-3Who has believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed? Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 13:54-57 Library Life in India. Fast-Day Service From the Close of the General Conference of 1828 to the Beginning ... From the Close of the General Conference of 1820 to the Beginning ... From 1787 to 1791 Inclusive Conclusion --Repent Ye, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand. Of Prayer --A Perpetual Exercise of Faith. The Daily Benefits ... Resources How can I learn to not take offense at little things? | GotQuestions.orgHow and when should we overlook an offense (Proverbs 19:11)? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about political correctness? Should a Christian be politically correct? | 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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