-       Story of Jesus’ rejection at Nazareth and sending out the twelve to preach and to work miracles.

-       Three basic points: Jesus causes offence. Prepare to be offended by Jesus. Prepare to offend and to be rejected.

1)    Jesus causes offence

-       Jesus preaches well. Instead of positive reaction, suspicion: “Where did he get these things?” And insult: “Isn’t this the son of Mary?” Not Joseph, ie a bastard.

-       And they took offence at him: skandalizo.

-       Particular offence: Jesus from ordinary place, familiar figure, scandal of birth.

-       General offence: Christ subverts expectations and sensibilities.

2)    Prepare to be offended by Jesus

-       Detail in story: ‘He could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick peopleand healed them’ (Mark 6:5).

-       Humility before Christ calls forth blessing.

-       What do you find difficult/offensive? “Blessed is the one who is not offended by me.” Matt. 11:6

3)    Prepare to offend and to be rejected

Faithfulness to Christ may be an offence.

-       Avoid obnoxiousness.

-       Offence a byproduct of faithfulness. Christ committed to goodness and truth. Not everyone is.

Rejected with Christ. Accepted by the Father.

-       Rejection can be terrible

-       The cross of Christ: ‘He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief’ (Isaiah 53:3).

-       Christ found identity in love of the Father: “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased” (Mark 1:11).

-       We are children of the Father too: ‘See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God’s children now…’ (1 John 3:1-2).

-       Christ instructed disciples: “If any place will not receive you and they will not listen to you, shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them” (Mark 6:11).

-       Not in anger, but resolution to care fundamentally about what God wants.

Basic Idea:

-       Allow yourself to be offended by Christ.

-       Don’t worry about offending others for his sake.

-       Find your identity in the love of God and your status as his chil