The Word Among Us

February/March 2025 Issue

The Scandal of the Gospel

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The Scandal of the Gospel: Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Over the course of the years, my prayer has focused on different aspects of Jesus’ life. When I was in my early twenties, I pondered how the Son of God emptied himself and took the form of a slave just to save us. I was so struck by how humble Jesus was that he would lower himself like this! It made me want to serve the Lord just as he had come to serve.

When I was in my thirties and forties, as I was raising children and began to experience a little bit of suffering in life, I was moved by Jesus’ humanity. He knew what it was to be ridiculed and to suffer as a man. He knew what it was to walk in this fallen world and experience pain and sorrow. I found this truly comforting as I went through my own trials.

A Stumbling Block. In more recent years, my understanding of Jesus has changed once again (and, I hope, deepened). I have been struck by how few people embraced Jesus’ message during his public ministry. He loved everyone but was hated by so many. He brought life but was himself killed. He built people up but was mocked in return. He offered mercy but was treated mercilessly. Why did people reject him and kill him?

Because Jesus was more than just a preacher and healer. He claimed to be equal to God! He called himself “the resurrection and the life,” “the lord . . . of the sabbath,” and “the bread of life” (John 11:25; 6:48; Mark 2:28). His claims were just too scandalous, so they sought to get rid of him.

None of this surprised Jesus. He knew that many would find his words offensive. He knew that they would not accept his claims about himself or accept his teaching. Even his own apostles stumbled at times. That’s why he told them, “Blessed is the one who takes no offense at [is not scandalized by] me” (Matthew 11:6). He knew that if they were open to his message and humble as they listened to him, they would overcome being scandalized.

The “Scandalous” Life of Discipleship. This month we are going to ask why Jesus’ life and words were so scandalous to people. We’re also going to look at the “scandalous” life of discipleship that Jesus has called us to live—the scandal of pouring ourselves out in service to the Lord and his people. We’ll look at how we can respond when people see us and ask, “Why this waste?” (Matthew 26:8).

We all have times when we feel scandalized by some aspect of Jesus’ teachings. But let’s not stumble over them! Rather, let’s take them as opportunities to turn to the Lord. No doubt, Jesus’ words challenge us to live for him more fully and to obey him more completely. So let’s ask him to change our hearts so that we don’t get tripped up. And if you or I should stumble and fall, may we find grace from his Spirit to turn back to him and proclaim, “Yes, Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief!”

Jeff Smith, President
[email protected]

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