Matthew 15:12

New International Version (NIV)

Then the disciples came to him and asked, “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this?”

For Meditation

One of the most difficult things to deal with in life is offence. When what we hear or see from other people does not sit well with our world view or preferences, we get offended. It’s easy to lose it very quickly and lash back in some unsavory way we may regret when the facts open up later. Sometimes, our pressure shoots up, while we brood over our hurt and possible response.  Bitterness incubate very well in such fertile grounds, and we finally reap much trouble and defilement when grace deserts us as a result (Heb. 12:15).

Jesus gave the Pharisees and teachers of the law an honest answer when they queried Him on His disciples’ omission to wash their hands before the meal (Matt. 15:1-2). It was something ceremonial that had become so traditionally entrenched in the religious culture, but had nothing to do with holiness. The Pharisees and teachers had elevated their traditions above the word of God, and Jesus called it hypocrisy (3-7). He brought the hatchet down hard on them with this statement:  “What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them” (11). And the Pharisees were livid!

1. Does it sound familiar? Have you been stung by someone’s response before?
2. Was it the word of God that offended you that much, maybe when you read it, when it was brought out in a sermon, or when it was used by a friend to rebuke you?
3. Have you examined why it stung so sharply?
4. Don’t you think it had something to do with a sinful behavior you’ve been cuddling, a spiritually unhealthy lifestyle that you love so much, a wrong interpretation or rationalization of a text you don’t want to admit, or your ego that has been scratched?
5. Let’s face it squarely now, could we? Maybe you simply hate the fact that they are right and you are wrong. Isn’t that your beef?

Whatever it is, I pray you realize one central truth here. Offense is not so much in what is said or done by somebody as much as how you perceive, process, and react to it. That’s where the real offence is. Ask Cain, Esau, Joseph’s brothers, King Saul and David.

So: May you review your own responses and see where they fit in your current situation and how they impugn on your peace, joy, and health. Consequently, may you adjust your attitude towards perceived offences, for the sake of a healthy spiritual growth and fellowship where you are for Christ’s sake! Amen.

Don’t allow what you perceive as offence rule you. Rule over it!

Shalom