August 29, 2011 Offensive Truth

August 29
Offensive Truth
Read Matthew 15 - 16

Matt 15:12 Then the disciples came to him and asked, “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this?”

WHEN you told someone, “Jesus loves you.” Or you said, “Have faith in Jesus, and you will be saved.” and they were offended, don’t feel badly. Jesus offended someone everytime he opened his mouth. In fact, people tried to kill him more than once as he preached and taught the Good News.
How could the Son of God, the Good Shepherd, the Way, the Truth, and the Light of the World offend anyone?
The sinner is offended when his sin is exposed. You know the feeling. Your brother pointed at you and said, “You took the extra cookie.” And you were mad at him for telling the truth. You wanted your sin to stay hidden. You were wrong. Yet your anger was directed at the truth teller.
That’s what happened to Jesus. The truth became such a hateful burden to the authorities, they killed him. They preferred to hide in their sin than to repent and be saved.
If you tell someone the Gospel truth, and he is offended, please don’t feel badly. Feel good you are modeling your Savior—and you are loving that person. It’s not about you saving anyone. It’s about you telling the truth to those who need to know. Yes, tell the Gospel truth and trust the Holy Spirit to change that person’s life.


Pause and Consider: that telling, “Jesus saves.” Is the greatest act of love you will do.