Matthew 15:12-13

Matthew 15:12 – 13 ESV Then the disciples came and said to Him, “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?” He answered, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be rooted up.”

The Pharisees were offended by Jesus’ words because they were not of God. There were godly Pharisees and some would eventually become Christians, but the majority of Pharisees worshiped the Law and their interpretations rather than God Himself.

When Jesus contradicted their traditions, they took offense. These men believed they were right with God, but the fact that they were offended by God shows the truth about where their heart was.

Christians should take note of that. If you ever find that God’s words offend you, it is a clear indication that it is time for serious soul searching. I’m not saying that it means you do not have a relationship with God but it does mean that relationship has areas where growth and reconciliation is necessary.

Being offended by God’s Word is more common than many of us realize because we tend to stay away from passages that we do not like. I used to be really bothered by God commanding genocide in the Old Testament and passages. It was because I had not fully grasped how abhorrent sin is to God. It took a great deal of prayer and examining my heart to finally be able to read those passages and not cringe.

I encourage you to ask yourself if there are any passages in the Bible that bother you or you disagree with if taken literally at face value. If the answer is yes, then make it a priority to discover why God said it and why you disagree or are troubled. Disagreeing with God, in any area should be avoided at all cost.

Lord, Your Word is truth. When I disagree with Your Word, I am wrong. Please bring every such example to my attention and graciously help me to rectify the situation.