When the Truth Offends
Jesus experienced temptation and came through it stronger than ever. We read that he “returned in the power of the Spirit”. While filled with the spirit previously, his experience with temptation led to him walking in power. What a beautiful promise we have. When we resist seasons of temptation and win through the power and strength of God, we are stronger because of it. Adam Clarke once wrote, “He who, through the grace of God, resists and overcomes temptation, is always bettered by it. This is one of the wonders of God’s grace, that those very things which are designed for our utter ruin he makes the instruments of our greatest good. Thus Satan is ever duped by his own proceeding, and caught in his own craft.”
Again led by the Spirit, Jesus begins teaching in Galilee. The people who heard him speak were amazing and glorified him because of what and how he spoke. Returning to his hometown of Nazareth, Jesus initially receives the same welcome. Verse 22 tells us “all spoke well of him.” However, Jesus wasn’t done yet. The Jews were so settled into their superiority belief they refused to see their need for salvation. They had traded relationship for tradition and were about to be called out on it.
After receiving praise and amazement from his Jewish neighbors, Jesus continues speaking. If he had ended here, doubtless people would have flocked to his message, but that would not have been the true message of Christ. Sometimes the truth offends, and it is this offense which our stubborn heart needs to jolt us out of our complacency. Jesus points out that God had honored and worked through Gentiles from the beginning. The Jews did not want to hear that. They saw themselves as superior and more worthy of a relationship with God. Woe to us when we believe we deserve God’s grace and love. Jesus pointed out that though there were many Jewish widows in the days of Elijah. Regardless, it was to a Gentile, a widow in Sidon to perform his miracle. Also, in the days of Elisha, there were many who suffered from the disease of leprosy. However, it was not a Jewish man that God healed through Elisha but Naaman, the Syrian.
God doesn’t follow our rules. He makes the rules. He does not see things the way our eyes perceive them. God sees through what is, to what will be. He plans and purposes miracles and blessings, trials and tribulations, according to His will and design. Let us check our ego at the door lest our own perceptions and expectations get in the way of the truth. Let God offend our ideals if that is what it takes. We want to be molded into His image and led by His hand. Put aside your expectations and grasp the fullness of God’s beautiful plan and work among us.
(Written by Keegan Harkins.)
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