Topical Bible: The Blessed: Who are not offended at Christ

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the New Testament, the concept of being "blessed" is often associated with those who accept and embrace Jesus Christ without taking offense at His teachings, actions, or identity. This theme is particularly evident in the Gospels, where Jesus Himself addresses the potential for offense and the blessedness of those who remain steadfast in faith.

Biblical Foundation

The primary scriptural reference for this topic is found in the Gospel of Matthew. Jesus, addressing the disciples of John the Baptist, declares, "Blessed is the one who does not fall away on account of Me" (Matthew 11:6). This statement underscores the blessedness of those who, despite challenges and societal pressures, do not stumble or reject Christ.

Context and Meaning

The context of Matthew 11:6 is crucial for understanding its significance. John the Baptist, imprisoned and facing uncertainty, sends his disciples to inquire if Jesus is indeed the Messiah. Jesus responds by highlighting His miraculous works and fulfilling the prophecies of Isaiah, thereby affirming His messianic identity. He then pronounces a blessing on those who are not offended by Him, implying that true blessedness comes from recognizing and accepting Him as the Messiah, even when His ways defy human expectations.

Offense at Christ

The potential for offense at Christ arises from various aspects of His ministry and message. Jesus' humble birth, His association with sinners, His radical teachings, and His ultimate crucifixion were stumbling blocks for many, particularly the religious leaders of His time. The Apostle Paul later echoes this sentiment, describing Christ crucified as "a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles" (1 Corinthians 1:23).

Characteristics of the Blessed

Those who are not offended at Christ exhibit several key characteristics:

1. Faith and Trust: They possess a deep faith in Jesus' identity and mission, trusting in His divine wisdom and authority even when it contradicts human understanding.

2. Humility: Recognizing their own limitations, they approach Christ with humility, willing to submit to His teachings and lordship.

3. Perseverance: They demonstrate perseverance in the face of trials, holding fast to their faith despite persecution or societal rejection.

4. Spiritual Insight: They are granted spiritual insight to see beyond the immediate and temporal, understanding the eternal significance of Christ's work.

Examples in Scripture

Several biblical figures exemplify the blessedness of not being offended at Christ:

· The Apostles: Despite initial misunderstandings and fears, the apostles ultimately embraced Jesus' identity and mission, becoming foundational pillars of the early Church.

· The Canaanite Woman: In Matthew 15:21-28, a Canaanite woman approaches Jesus for her daughter's healing. Despite an initial rebuff, she persists in faith, and Jesus commends her great faith, granting her request.

· Mary Magdalene: A devoted follower of Jesus, Mary Magdalene remained faithful even at the crucifixion and was the first to witness the resurrected Christ (John 20:11-18).

Theological Implications

The blessedness of those not offended at Christ carries profound theological implications. It highlights the necessity of faith in the face of doubt and the importance of recognizing Jesus as the cornerstone of salvation. This blessedness is not merely a temporal state but an eternal assurance of being in right relationship with God through Christ.

In summary, the blessed who are not offended at Christ are those who, through faith, humility, and perseverance, embrace Jesus as Lord and Savior, finding their ultimate hope and identity in Him.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 11:6
And blessed is he, whoever shall not be offended in me.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xi. 2, "Now when John Heard in ...
... the poor have the Gospel preached to them; and blessed is he whosoever shall not
be offended in Me." [2249] Do not suspect that John was offended in Christ. ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xvi on the words.htm

An Address to a Soul So Overwhelmed with a Sense of the Greatness ...
... And are all thy compassions, O blessed Jesus ... "Spurn me not away, O ... from thy presence,
nor be offended when I presume to lay hold on thy royal robe, and say that ...
/.../the rise and progress of religion in the soul/chapter xii an address to.htm

Concerning the Centurion's Faith the Raising of the Widow's Son. ...
... on such as should not be offended in Himself ... for themselves whatsoever things they
heard not from him. ... He guards against this mistake, and says, Blessed is he ...
/.../chapter xviii concerning the centurions faith.htm

No Alterations of Christ's Plan.
... And again, in reference to John he said, "Blessed is he, whosoever shall not be
offended in me ... that John's Old Testament views would be offended at the new era ...
/.../section 51 no alterations of.htm

Doubts of John the Baptist in his Imprisonment. --His Message to ...
... And, therefore, he closes with the pregnant words of warning, "And blessed is he
whosoever shall not be offended in me." (Happy is he who is satisfied ...
/.../section 135 doubts of john.htm

Another Season,
... for religion are laid upon us. Blessed is the man who in such a season
is not offended in Christ. Now, whatever may be the kind ...
//christianbookshelf.org/flavel/on keeping the heart/xi another season.htm

Why Christ Speaks
... 'These things have I spoken unto you that ye might not be offended.'. II. ... and it
is our own fault if these are not very frequent and blessed"when thus ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture st john chaps xv to xxi/why christ speaks.htm

John's Doubts and Christ's Praise
... And blessed is be, whosoever shall not be offended in Me ... For I say unto you, Among
those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/johns doubts and christs praise.htm

Faustus Claims that the Manich??ans and not the Catholics are ...
... Jesus, and also hearing of His works, yet asked whether He was Christ. ... to your questions,
and believe that you will be blessed if you are not offended in me ...
/.../faustus claims that the manichaeans.htm

Argument. --In Fine, Notwithstanding the Said Heretics have ...
... of pure tradition and Catholic faith, being offended against Christ ... came, who is
over all, God blessed for evermore ... that "God is one?" Or is not Christ God also? ...
/.../chapter xxx argument in fine notwithstanding.htm