Day 291, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Matthew 17:24-27; Mark 9:38-10:1; Luke 9:49-10:20; Matthew 18:6-19:2; Matthew 8:18-22; Matthew 11:20-24
How to Handle Offenses
In today’s Bible reading, Jesus deals with various kinds of offenses. Let’s briefly look at what he says about each one.
Handle Offenses by Trying Not to Offend
“I’ve got my rights!” a person may loudly proclaim. Yes, but at what price? Sometimes the fight will do more damage than a peaceful course. Furthermore, our insistence on having our rights can cause our testimony to be ruined. Jesus paid a tax he did not owe. Sometimes it is better to pay what we do not owe, whether that means an apology or a fee, rather than fight about it. We should choose our battles. Let’s stand firm for truth but not be belligerent and insistent on having our own way.
Handle Offenses Against Children
Usually, when we think of criminal acts against children, we mean physical or verbal abuse or neglect. However, in today’s Bible reading, there is another type of wrong—discouraging children.
A statement that many people make is that “children should be seen and not heard.” This declaration is made by adults bothered by young ones who are noisy or doing inappropriate things. But if this statement is true, then why might children be this way? Perhaps, it is because they don’t get enough attention and haven’t learned to respect their elders. Jesus says,
“If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.” He took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him in his arms, [notice the attention Jesus gives him], he said to them, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me” (Mark 9:35-37, NIV).From these verses, we learn that God loves children—not from a distance—he brings them close and gives them attention. From Matthew’s gospel, the Lord says children have something to teach us! Then Jesus makes a startling statement, “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (18:3, NIV).
What does Jesus mean when he says we should become like little children? Jesus explains it: “Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (18:4, NIV). Humility and simple child-like trust are some of the admirable qualities we can learn from the young. We can’t enter heaven if we are proud and too sophisticated to believe the gospel’s message, and we can’t progress spiritually. God offers each of us forgiveness, peace, and spiritual life. Will we trust God and take it? (more...)
God likes children, so if we cause children to sin, we are against God and he is against us. Jesus said,
But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.
See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven [what seems to be implied is that their guardian angels report to God of their welfare]. (Matthew 18:6, NIV)
How to Handle Offenses Between Christians
God wants us to dwell in unity and peace. Nevertheless, arguments happen between family members, co-workers, and even fellow believers in Christ. How do we handle them? Jesus gives these directives in settling wrongs between two parties (Matthew 18:15-17 and Matthew 5:23-24):
- Handle offenses early.
- Deal with the issue as privately as possible.
- The goal is restoration but not compromise of the truth.
- True worship cannot occur when sin is unresolved.
- When you are offended and someone approaches you in genuine remorse for their sins, be quick to show mercy and forgive. Don’t keep records of their wrongs and keep bringing them up.
Handle Bearing the Offense of Christ
Some who followed Jesus were not counting the costs. To one disciple, Christ described himself as poor and homeless. The cost of following Jesus might mean that he could turn out the same way. The disciple might not get the fame and privileges he hoped for by following Jesus. The Lord didn’t have earthly connections to bring people wealth and prosperity. Was the disciple willing to associate with the Lord on these terms? Are we?
To another disciple Jesus said,
“Follow me.” But the man replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”
Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say good-by to my family.” Jesus replied, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:59-62, NIV).
What sounds like reasonable requests for delaying obedience to the Lord, followed by unreasonable demands from Christ, are not what they seem. These disciples wanted to follow Christ when convenient, like when they were old and had nothing else to do.These men wanted to wait around until their parents died, and they would have an inheritance to spend! Are we willing to bear the offense of Christ now, or are we caught up by our material desires?
How to Handle Offenses against the Message of Christ
Although people see evidence of God’s work in the world, Jesus said many will not listen or appeal to him for forgiveness and change their ways. Woe to them for their judgment is coming. Arguing with them won’t do any good. There is nothing to do for them but to pray. Spend your energies on those who will listen and pray for those who won’t.
The Bible Knowledge Commentary of the New Testament by Walvoord and Zuck, © 1985, p. 39
Discussion
Should we always fight for our “rights?” Is there ever a time when we shouldn’t?
