Matthew 11:7-10 (KJV) Offense of the Word

Matthew 11:7-10 (KJV)
And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?
But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses.
But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet.
For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.

The thought came to me, isn’t the Bible itself offensive to the lost? Should we even attempt to preach the Bible in such a way that it is not offensive? I do not mean to imply that we have to be purposefully offensive. I just mean that we have to be careful not to be purposefully inoffensive. We need to preach the Bible fully and allow the response to be what it is. 

John the Baptist was such a preacher. Crowds came to hear him preach but it wasn’t because of his polish and presentation. John’s preaching was often:

Ecclesiastically offensive
He divided those who would be baptized of him and those who rejected his baptism

Socially offensive 
He told them what they did wrong and how to correct it

Evangelistically offensive
He refused to baptize them unless they demonstrated evidence of conversion 

Politically offensive
He withstood even the king, preaching against his sin. 

Morally offensive
He rebuked the king and his mistress for their immorality 

• John the Baptists message was a Bible message but it was offensive to the lost
• Jesus message was a Bible message but it was offensive to the lost
• Paul’s message was a Bible message but it was offensive to the lost

I read that the evangelist Sam Brown once said something to the effect of, “Used to be I was afraid my preaching would offense someone. Now I am afraid it won’t.”

We don’t need an offensive personality. Indeed we ought to strive not to be. But great care must be taken not to so construct our Bible sermons so that they are not offensive. 

To my readers:
First of all, thank you! It is a great joy to me to know you read the thoughts and lessons God has given me in His word. Secondly, I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave comments.

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Matthew 11:7-10 (KJV) Offense of the Word

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