Separating The Tares From The Wheat
‘When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you?’ John 6:61
Today’s Insight: John 6:60-69
This scripture, as well as Matthew 15:12, reveals that people will be offended by the Gospel. As much as possible, however, we should make sure that it is not ourselves that are offensive. But we cannot labor under the deception that everyone will receive the Gospel, even if the truth was presented properly. We know that Jesus represented His Father perfectly and yet most people rejected His message.
In these two instances, when Jesus realized He had offended the listeners, He didn’t apologize and try to make concessions to gain their acceptance. Instead, He got harder. This hard message of commitment is not only beneficial to those who receive it, but it serves a dual purpose in that it exposes the ‘tares among the wheat.’
It is important to be aware that the children of the wicked one are placed among the true believers. We should be very careful about putting just anyone who professes Christianity into any position of authority (1 Tim. 3:10). Our best defense is to preach the Word of God without watering it down. False brethren will not endure sound doctrine (2 Tim. 4:3). They leave when the Word, which is sharper than any two-edged sword, begins to expose the thoughts and intents of the heart. There will still, however, be those who are deceived and unaware that they are not born again, remaining among the Church until the end of this world.
As long as Jesus was in the world in His physical body, He was lighting the way to the Father. He now shines through our lives. It is our responsibility to be a witness. The purpose of a light is to dispel the darkness. So ‘let your light shine before men….’ (Matt. 5:16).
Source: awmi.net
Powerful devotional! This reminds me to be alert to prevent seeds of offense from taking root in my heart. The flesh will always resist the the word of God, it is then up to me to keep the flesh in check and submit it to the word of God – regardless! The only way to do this, is to live by what Galatians 5:16 says –
“I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.”
Amen
Jesus did not worry about who was offended by his preaching or the cross he would have to bear as a result but doing the will of the father. May my ears itch only to hear the truth & be obedient no matter how hard it is so that my life can be a good example to others.
Believers are made aware of the truth that some people will perceive the truth as offensive even when preached the way it should be
All we need to do is continue sharing the word and be the light through witnessing to others to dispel darkness even as our light shines through! Timely reminder even in these strange times…….
In John 8:32, Jesus said “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
When others are offended when they hear the gospel, it’s important that we remain resolute. Even when at times the truths in the Word may seem challenging to apply into our lives, we should see this as an opportunity for God to help us change our ways.
Wow, let our light shine brighter than ever, to light up the dark by getting closer and closer to Him
My heart desire is for the spirit of God helps me to know God as John 17v3 says
Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent
Hmmm I believe we should keep on saying the truth because the truth shall set as all free, because we are the light of the world, I believe as a Christian we should try and imitate our father and let the Holy spirit help as and direct as whenever we are going wrong.