Matthew 15:12 reads, “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?” (NKJV). We won’t dive into why they were offended in this post, but you can read about it in verses 1 through 9 on your own. Today, let’s focus on the word “offended,” especially in the wake of this year’s Presidential Election. Here’s how that verse reads in the Message Bible: “Did you know how upset the Pharisees were when they heard what you said?” The Amplified Classic states they were “displeased and offended and indignant. The Greek word for “offended” is skandalizō (G4624), which means:
These meanings become more impactful when we think about them. Offense can cause someone not only to stumble but also to separate from someone they should trust and obey. It can lead someone to shift from love and respect to hate and disrespect toward someone who is good for them, simply due to differing views or lack of understanding on the offended behalf. We must understand that taking offense is very destructive, especially when what one becomes offended over is to benefit them. Now, notice who is in the wrong in the passage we read. In Matthew 15, the Scribes and Pharisees were in Jesus’ presence and questioned Him about His disciples. Realizing that they lacked all the facts, Jesus corrected their misunderstanding and provided a proper perspective. Instead of accepting correction and repenting, the Scribes and Pharisees took offense. OFFENSE EXPOSES YOUR HEARTWhenever we are offended by someone sharing something with us, it’s essential to check our hearts. Why? Because our lives, our eternity, depend on it. After Jesus responded to the Pharisees in verses 3 through 11, Peter privately asked Jesus to “explain this parable to us” (v. 15). Jesus responded in verses 16–20: “So Jesus said, ‘Are you also still without understanding [unable to put things together]? 17 Do you not yet understand that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and is eliminated? 18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. 19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies [verbal abuse, irreverent speech]. 20 These are the things which defile a man, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile a man.’” When we take offense at someone’s words or actions intended to provide insight, wisdom, knowledge, or correction, our hearts and true nature are exposed. This is what Jesus said about those offended by correction. Offense reveals:
Luke 2:35 gives further insight into how people can become easily offended by what is ultimately good for them. In Luke 2:25-35, Simeon receives a prophecy that he will see the Savior before his death. When Simeon sees Jesus, he blesses Him, declaring that the child will cause the rise and fall of many in Israel, exposing the thoughts of many hearts. MANY OFFENDED BY THE 2024 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION RESULTS The 2024 Presidential Election has exposed the hearts of many, including those in the church because many are unwilling to see:
Many today are offended in the same way the Scribes and Pharisees were in Matthew 15:12. When we read such accounts as in Matthew, it should cause us to self-reflect, ensuring we are not offended by what God is doing in this season and those He is choosing to use, both within and outside His church.
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AuthorAs we approach the Day of the LORD, it is crucial that we deepen our commitment. We must delve deeper into His Word, engage in profound praise and worship, and seek a deeper intimacy with His presence. Our time with the LORD must extend beyond the surface level. We are called to move beyond the outer court and press forward into the Most Holy Place, where God dwells in the midst of His people. Archives
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