OFFENDED BY JESUS

A third indication that these people in Jesus’ synagogue at Nazareth were worshiping unbelievers rather than true worshipers was that they took offense at Jesus. They did not like it one bit when He suggested that their ethnic and religious elitism was contrary to the redemptive purposes of God. Did He expect them to allow Gentiles into the synagogue? Did He mean to imply that their “denomination” might have it wrong in a few critical points of faith and doctrine? The nerve!

If Jesus offends you when He points out your sin and commands you to repent, when He challenges some long-accepted practice or tradition, or claims authority in some area of your life that you’d just as soon hold on to for yourself, then you may need to consider whether or not you really belong to Jesus, or you’re just trying to use Him for whatever suits your interest or need.

HOLDING BACK FROM JESUS

The final indication of unbelief is that it holds back from Jesus’ power and authority, even when the needs are oh, so pressing. Jesus could only do a few mighty works in Nazareth because most of the people refused to come to Him. They would not bring their sick children to Him because who does He think He is, anyway? They would not come to be delivered from demons because He’s just a carpenter, don’t you see? And they certainly were not going to come to Him confessing their sins because, by God, their sins were nobody’s business but their own! Those who did come to Jesus found healing, deliverance, and forgiveness. But those who held back, out of distrust, resentment, pride, or unbelief, missed the blessing Jesus had come to bring them.

What are you holding back from Jesus? Some secret sin? A problem in your marriage? The way you use your money, or your time? Some fear or doubt, or a problem with worry or anger? If you don’t believe in Jesus enough to take all these things and more to Him, then how can you be certain that you know Him at all. “Come unto Me,” He says, with all the sincerity and grace we need; but we refuse to come, fearing to expose our sins, unwilling to let go our lusts, determined to hold on to our grudges, or whatever. If you’re holding back from Jesus, know this, Jesus is marveling at your unbelief and disobedience.

Church members today need to take Paul’s advice to heart: “Examine yourselves.” It is altogether possible that many who assemble for worship each week are deluding themselves about their relationship with Christ. If you are limiting Christ, questioning His authority, avoiding (so you think) His Lordship, and holding back anything from Him, it is quite possible that you do not know Him at all. The worshiping unbelievers of Jesus’ day missed the blessing He came to bring. Don’t let that happen to you.

FOR REFLECTION

Are you willing to take Paul’s test? Ask yourself whether any of the four criteria of a “worshiping unbeliever” fit you in any way. Then repent and make amends where needed.

T. M. Moore is dean of the Centurions Program of the Wilberforce Forum and principal of The Fellowship of Ailbe, a spiritual fellowship in the Celtic Christian tradition. He is the author or editor of 20 books, and has contributed chapters to four others. His essays, reviews, articles, papers, and poetry have appeared in dozens of national and international journals, and on a wide range of websites. His most recent books are Culture Matters (Brazos) and The Hidden Life, a handbook of poems, songs, and spiritual exercises (Waxed Tablet). Sign up at his website to receive his daily email devotional Crosfigell, reflections on Scripture and the Celtic Christian tradition. T. M. and his wife and editor, Susie, make their home in Concord, Tenn.
This article originally appeared on BreakPoint. Used with permission.