Table Talk: The Table of Unoffendability

Table Talk: The Table of Unoffendability

Pastor Aaron Sutherland

I. OFFENSE REVEALS A CHOICE MADE BY PEOPLE

Matthew 13: 53-56  

When Jesus had finished these parables, he moved on from there.  Coming to his hometown, he began teaching the people in their synagogue, and they were amazed. “Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?” they asked.  “Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother’s name Mary, and aren’t his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas? Aren’t all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?”  And they took offense at him.

In life offensive events are guaranteed, being offended is optional.

The fact that you’re offensive, does not automatically require me to be offended

II. OFFENSE DIMINISHES GOD’S VALUE OF PEOPLE

Matthew 13: 57b

But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town and in his own home.”

Matthew 10:32

Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven.

Honor closes the gap of relationship, dishonor increases it.

III. OFFENSE  LIMITS GOD’S ACTIVITY IN PEOPLE

 Matthew 13:58

And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.

Holding onto personal offense delays personal healing.

Mark 6:5

He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them.

Our hearts toward Jesus actually determine our gifts from Jesus.

My walking in offense towards another does nothing to limit God’s work in them, but it does much to limit God’s work in me.

Matthew 11:6

And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.

Discussion Questions

1. How has choosing offense hindered your ability to experience the fullness of Jesus?

2. Has harboring an offense ever tempted you to diminish the value you see in another person? If so, how?

3. Have you ever experienced less of God in your life because of the presence of offense? How did you remedy that?