The Blessedness of Being Unoffended by Jesus

As I was reading chapter 7 in Luke this past week, something struck me in a way it never has before. In verse 20, we learn that John the Baptist sends his followers to ask Jesus if he is the “one who is to come or shall we look for another?” That struck me as interesting, as John the Baptist knew who Jesus was, they were related, likely separated by merely a few months. Why, then, knowing full well who Jesus was, would John doubt that Jesus was the Messiah?

John’s doubt stemmed from expectations that didn’t align with Jesus' reality. I can personally relate, as I too struggle with misplaced expectations.

John the Baptist’s question comes during the time when he is imprisoned and facing uncertainty. His inquiry captures the essence of human doubt and the quest for reassurance. John expected immediate deliverance, not delay. John was, perhaps like the religious leaders of time, expecting that Jesus, the Messiah, would be a political savior.

Like John’s followers, I sometimes expect Jesus to work on my terms—constant blessings, prosperity, or immediate justice. When life takes an unexpected turn, doubts creep in. Why does God bless one person but not another? Why does He allow suffering? These questions arise when our expectations don’t align with God’s greater plan.

We see this struggle throughout the Bible. The Pharisees rejected Jesus because He didn’t fit their idea of the Messiah. Even today, some equate faith with worldly success, assuming that God’s love is measured by material blessings. But Jesus never promised an easy road—He promised Himself, and that is sufficient.

Ultimately, this example from scripture highlights how when human expectations differ from God’s unfolding, undeterred plan we can become offended. Offense often arises when people feel God has let them down or has not answered prayers as expected. Think about it personally, you may be asking why God blesses one financially but another not as much; why one church congregation grows and another doesn’t; why one business thrives but another goes under; or why does God bring miraculous healing to one but not the other.

Of the seven miracles recorded in the Gospel of John, four of them were performed on an individual. In John 4, Jesus heals the official’s son, John 5, Jesus heals the invalid, John 9, Jesus heals the man born blind and in John 11, Jesus resuscitates Lazarus. These four individuals were not unique with their specific ailment as there were certainly other sick sons or daughters on the day. Scripture tells us the pool of Bethesda was full of people with varying ailments. There certainly were people born blind at that time, who were not the recipients of miraculous healing. Others died around the time of Lazarus, but again were not raised as was he. Were they offended? Perhaps.

Being offended reveals immature faith, lacking reliance on God's wisdom and timing. Mature faith trusts and aligns with God’s will. Mature faith bypasses the offense and gives thanks to God for His wisdom, His protection and His perfect timing. God knows us better than we know ourselves. He knows our limitations and our capacity. Perhaps the unmet expectation is because we have not the capacity nor the faith to handle it if God willed to grant it to us.

Remember the greatest blessing is not in getting what we expect, but in remaining faithful despite confusion or hardship. Jesus calls believers to trust in His power, plan, and promises—even when circumstances seem contrary. The unoffended are those who cling to Christ regardless of the circumstance, they find joy and peace in His character, rather than what He does for them.

Lessons for living as a Christian today:

·       Faith Over Skepticism: Just as Jesus provided evidence of His divine mission, we are called to trust in His works and His promises. When faced with skepticism, let us abide in faith, believing in the powerful truths of His word.

·       Accept and Embrace the Unexpected: Jesus' ways may not always align with our expectations or desires. Being unoffended by Him means accepting His divine plan, even when it diverges from our own. Trust that His wisdom surpasses our understanding. Be joyful in the valley of disappointment, He is with us.

·       Celebrate Grace: Christians experience the big grace daily, the grace that a Holy God withholds what we deserve and declares us righteous through the blood of Jesus. That is an obvious reason to celebrate daily but so are the little graces every day. Celebrate the well-timed traffic lights that shave a minute off your commute, the reality of food on the table and shelter over your head, a restful night’s sleep. The list is endless — celebrate.

·       Marvel at His Miracles: Reflect on the miracles documented in the scriptures and those we witness in our lives. Recognize the hand of Jesus in these moments and allow these signs to strengthen our faith and deepen our trust.

·       Proclaim the Good News: Jesus' mission was to bring good news to the poor, the marginalized, and the broken. As His followers, we are called to continue this mission, sharing His love and grace with those around us. Let us be unoffended by His call to serve and uplift others.

Verse 23 closes out this section with Jesus’ words, “And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.” F. B. Meyer wrote of this verse, “The beatitude of the unoffended.” He referred to the blessedness of those who do not stumble over the mysteries of God’s dealings in their lives. What a blessing to be unoffended by Jesus! God Bless you all.

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