Jesus – The Offending Savior
Does the name of Jesus offend you?
Apparently, Jesus offends a lot of people in this world. While I am out and about or watching a movie, it seems to be an imperative that the name of Jesus must be spoken as a word of dishonor. These people (at least most of them) wouldn’t even think about using their mother’s name as a curse word but “Jesus” (sadly) seems to be fair game. Why Him, just what is it about Jesus that offends them and marks Him for disdain?
(Hover over the scripture verses to view)
- Are they offended because He gathered a motley crew made up of fishermen, a tax collector and even a thief instead of the religious elite? (Mat 4:19 and Mat 9:9).
- Offended because He dared to touch (and heal) the outcasts of society, the blind and lame and especially the unclean lepers? (Mat 12:22 & Mat 15:30 & Mark 1:40-41).
- Offended because He gave words of encouragement and forgiveness to the woman caught in adultery instead of stoning her? (John 8:3-12)
- Offended because He hobnobbed with common people even feeding the hungry crowds that came to see and Hear him instead of dining with the rich and famous? (Mat 14:15-21).
- Offended that He would have the assiduity to heal the daughter of a Gentile (Non-Jewish) Centurion? (Mat 8:5-18).
- Offended that He claimed to be God in the flesh and that He was the “only way” to the Father? (Mark 14:61-62 & John 14:6). BINGO!
Yes, Jesus clearly claimed to be the Son of God but was HE really? What were His qualifications?
The prophets foretold His coming and what He would accomplish 700 years before He came (Isaiah 52:13 -53).
Jesus had:
- Power over Nature (Mat 8:23-27).
- Ability to multiply bread and fish to feed thousands. He also claimed to be the “Bread of Life.” (John 6:35).
- Power over sickness and disease. (Mat 8:28-34).
- Power over demons. (Mark 5:2-20)
- Ability to predict the future. (Mat 26:33 & Mat 26:74).
- Ability know a persons thoughts (Luke 5:21-22).
- Power over death. (Mark 5:38 – 43).
I think it is pretty clear that He not only proclaimed to be the One sent by God… He proved it! Even the “religious” leaders admitted He did miracles but they ascribed the miracles to Satan’s power.
So with Jesus having these abilities and loving touch, why would anyone use His name as a curse-word? I believe that it is a symptom of hearts rebelling against God, resisting His person, authority and instructions. In other words, they are declaring themselves to be “their own god.”
Ironically, even with all that power that Jesus displayed, Jesus has no power over a person’s will regarding the choice of having a relationship with Him or not. You and I are indeed sovereign over our desires, love and choices; He cannot and will not force us to love or obey Him but the time will come when all acknowledge their Creator. (Romans 14:11).
Simply because God has created us and given us life, He deserves a lot more than just our respect. How ironic is it that the name people use as a curse-word, is the name of the only One that came to save them from eternal separation from God. Understanding the reality of how an eternal Godless existence would be like, I wouldn’t wish that for anyone, even those who are so rebellious that they curse their very Creator. Eventually, everyone will come to the reality that Jesus is far more than a cuss-word. He is the King of Kings and Lord of all and He is my Blessed Savior, please treat Him right by honoring His Name. Better yet, trust and obey His instructions… He’s been waiting for you to sign on to His Plan, here’s how.
| Matthew 11:2-6: And when John had heard in prison about the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples and said to Him, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?” Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.” |