When John the Baptist was jailed by King Herod for condemning the king for immorality, John questioned whether his understanding of Jesus as the Messiah was wrong. In his dire situation, his faith began to falter.
Every believer can relate to John. In difficult circumstances, the faith that once seemed so strong when things were well can waver. We feel lost, not knowing what to do. God seems distant, and our faith feels completely defunct. (1Ki 19:4; Lk 24:21)
Jesus’ response? Blessed is he who does not take offense at me. To take offense at Jesus means that He is a stumbling block to you. Over time, it can result in doubt, disbelief, backsliding, and even apostasy. Difficult times will come. When they do, we need to remember four things to overcome taking offense at God.
- Jesus is Lord.
Luke refers to Jesus as Lord. (v. 19) As Lord, Jesus can work in all circumstances. He is the risen Lord, who is trustworthy and able. Nothing- not even death- is bigger than Jesus Christ.
Why must we remember Jesus as Lord?
Remembering Jesus as Lord is a supernatural privilege. It is only by the Holy Spirit that we can recognize Him as Lord. (1Cor 12:3) Second, remembering Jesus as Lord is fundamental to the Christian life. Salvation begins with the lordship of Jesus. Finally, remembering Jesus as Lord is practical. He steers our lives, and although we may not know what God is doing, we know who He is, and it is enough for us.
When Jesus is your Lord, your life will be marked with continual confession of sins, unconditional trust in Christ, and relentless thanksgiving to Him.
- Jesus works always.
At the time John’s disciples came to question Jesus, He was working. (v.21) Jesus unceasingly works for the elect. He works for good, and His work is always successful. (Phil 1:6)
How do you know God is always working?
Romans 8:28 says that God causes all things to work for good. Nothing can happen or exist if God did not work. In His Word and by prayer, we know that God works. He speaks to us in the Bible and works through our prayers as we seek Him and pray according to His will.
God works providentially. If you truly believe that God is behind all things, there is peace.
- Jesus is the Messiah.
Jesus is the ultimate Savior. (v. 22) The works He did were prophesied in the Old Testament as the works of the future Messiah (Is 61:1) Jesus healed people in dire conditions- those who were blind, lame, diseased, deaf, dead, and poor- conditions that reflect our sin nature. We were in a hopeless state, but Jesus healed and saved us. It is the work He continues to do today as the Messiah. (2Cor 1:8-10; 2Cor 12:9-10)
- Jesus is good.
Jesus said the poor have the gospel preached to them. Without the gospel, there is nothing man can do about his sin. Jesus is the good news. He alone is good.
How can you taste God’s goodness?
It is only the poor who can receive the gospel and taste the goodness of God. The one who is spiritually bankrupt before the Lord receives His mercy and lovingkindness.
BIBLE COMMUNITY CHURCH 
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