Words of Grace – April 2, 2015

Jesus and his twelve disciples made a trip to Jesus’ home town, Nazareth.  When the Lord began to teach in the synagogue on the Sabbath day, there was quite a reaction.

Those who heard Jesus were astonished, saying, “From where did this man get these things, and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are done by his hands?”

To them Jesus was still just the carpenter, the son of Mary.  “And they were offended at him” (Mark 6:3).

Jesus was a Gospel preacher and a Bible teacher, and his preaching and teaching offended many.  In John 6:61, he asked those who murmured at his words, “Does this offend you?”

The disciples of Jesus were sent to carry on his work of teaching and preaching.  “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations” (Matthew 28:19).  “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15).

In the book of Acts, which records the acts of the apostles, the work of teaching and preaching was continued, just as Jesus has commanded.  As a result, many were offended.

The same is true today.  The Word of God, the Bible, offends people.  The mention of the name of Jesus offends people.  It is just not “politically correct” to quote the Bible and talk about Jesus, because people might get offended.

Jesus said, “And blessed is he whosoever shall not be offended in me” (Luke 7:23).