Blessed is the One Who is Not Offended by Jesus — Ajay Chakravarthy — August 13, 2023
https://rlcf.church/media/sermons/blessed-is-the-one-who-is-not-offended-by-jesus River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker contrasts Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus after years of association, with Mary, who remained humble and receptive to Jesus's words. He argues that the root cause of getting offended with God or others is pride, which makes one resistant to correction. True discipleship, exemplified by Mary, involves humility and obedience, even when facing reproach or misunderstanding.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
How Judas fell into offenseJudas was one of the twelve disciples who performed miracles and cast out demons, yet when Jesus corrected him over expensive perfume, he became offended and went to betray Him.
Why the disciples missed the warningEven when Jesus directly pointed out His betrayer, the other disciples could not believe it because they only saw Judas's external ministry and good works over three and a half years.John 13:25
Offenses happen through a slow processJudas did not get offended overnight; rather, he allowed the devil to repeatedly replay thoughts of perceived rejections and slights until his conscience was desensitized.John 6:16
The root cause of offenseThe speaker suggests that pride is the underlying reason we get offended with God or others, especially when we face correction after walking with the Lord for many years.
Mary's response to correctionDespite spending thirty years with Jesus and facing humbling responses from Him when wine ran out, Mary submitted in humility and told the servants to do whatever He said.John 2:3
Enduring public rejectionWhen Jesus publicly redefined His family around those who do the will of God, Mary was there with His brothers, yet she never grew bitter or offended.Matthew 12:47
Pondering and treasuring all thingsUnlike Judas who replayed negative thoughts of being left out, Mary consistently treasured up the significant events and words spoken about Jesus in her heart.Luke 2:19
A life that brings joy to othersEven a simple greeting from Mary filled Elizabeth with joy and the Holy Spirit, demonstrating the kind of blessing God desires to flow through a humble life.Luke 1:41
Choosing the right pathBelievers are left with two contrasting examples: Judas who forgot the good things Jesus did and grew offended, and Mary who treasured the Lord and never stumbled.
