The Hard Sayings Of Jesus

February 25

"Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone
and rock of offense,
and whoever believes on Him
will not be put to shame."
Romans 9:33

There were things that Jesus said that were very hard to hear, but he never tried to vindicate himself. The principle here is that God's ways are NOT our ways, and we are left with the choice to receive him or not. Some demand understanding before they will accept what he has said. But the wise realize that this is the Creator of the universe who keeps the stars in place, so if he says things that are beyond our understanding, who are we to argue against him? A puny human being, fallen at that, and arguing against the great God?

"From that time many of his disciples went back
and walked with him no more.
Then Jesus said to the twelve,
'Do you also want to go away?'
But Simon Peter answered him,
'Lord, to whom shall we go?
YOU have the words of eternal life.'"
John 6:66-68

I think if I had been there, I'd have run after those who walked away and would have tried to explain to them, to show them what he "really" meant by that and persuade them to change their minds.

But Jesus didn't do that. He let them go.

We have to accept God on HIS terms, and many just cannot do that. Most make demands before they'll accept. And Jesus ...will just let them go.

The offense of the Gospel, the offense of the Cross. Most stumble over it. There is only one way, and that statement is an offense to many.

"Because narrow is the gate
and difficult is the way which leads to life,
and there are FEW who find it."
Matthew 7:14

"And blessed is he who is not offended because of me."
Matthew 11:6