Bible Verse of The Day – 12-18-23

Matthew 11:6 (NKJV) 6 And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.”

This very short verse is one that’s easy to read and keep going, not paying much attention to it.

Upon closer inspection, though, it warrants spending some time on, being sure to get its full meaning and implications for followers of Christ.

Jesus starts off with the word, “blessed”.

Many tend to use this word, pronouncing it as two syllables, bless-ed. This usage infers some kind of special status for the person it is referring to; holy or worthy of reverence.

This use, however, is not what was intended, especially in the New Testament.

Let’s look at that word in the context it was used in.

Blessed: given or shown favor by God, happy because of God’s favor, fortunate, enlarged.

So, in this context, the person is happy/joyful because of God’s favor upon their lives.

What is it in this instance that causes them to be blessed/favored?

Not being offended because of Him.

This is where it get’s interesting.

What does the phrase, “not offended because of Me” mean?

Offended in this example refers to stumbling or falling away.

Jesus, and faith in Him, are referred to as a “stumbling block” or “stumbling stone” in many places throughout scripture.

He was a stumbling block to the Jews of His day, causing many of them to stray from God’s intended path for them to find salvation through the long-awaited Messiah, whom they flat-out rejected when He arrived.

He may also be a stumbling block to many who choose to follow Him, due to the persecution we may have to endure as believers.

That same persecution may just cause some to turn away, ultimately denying their faith in Him.

Jesus states plainly that those who endure and (deliberately, purposely) choose not to stumble or turn away are blessed, receiving God’s favor.

Let us stay the course, enduring till the end, holding fast to our faith in Him no matter the cost.

Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie

Seven Seas Ministries
49 N Lamplighters Walk
Hampstead, NC 28443

401-439-3780

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