Jumpstarter 4 of 10

Ideas to help restart your discussion

Question 4

Jesus ends with “Blessed is he who is not offended by me,” and Bercot says that fits John’s disciples and the scribes/Pharisees, not John—what are the specific ways someone can be “offended” by Jesus while still being religious, and where do you see that dynamic in your own church culture?

Another way to ask: How can someone be religious and still be offended by Jesus? Where do you see that kind of attitude in your church culture (or in yourself)?

Direct Answer The transcript implies people can be “offended” by Jesus when they resist shifting their loyalty to Him or when religious leaders reject Him despite clear evidence. This can show up in church culture when people prefer a comfortable or familiar religion and stumble over Jesus’ demands.

Support from Transcript:

Bercot highlights Jesus’ closing line: “And blessed is he who is not offended by me,” and says, “surely that’s not a reference to John.”
He asks, “Was John ever offended by Jesus?… Not in the least,” pointing to John’s humility: “I’m going to decrease. He’s going to increase.”
He contrasts that with John’s disciples: “His disciples took great offense. They wanted to stick with John… and they didn’t want to move on to Jesus.”
He adds, “the scribes and Pharisees were taking offense as well,” even though Jesus’ works were visible.
The offense includes resisting Jesus as Messiah and refusing to embrace Him despite miracles and preaching.

Discussion Follow-ups Where do you see believers holding tightly to a label, leader, or tradition in a way that makes obedience to Jesus harder? What teachings of Jesus are most likely to “offend” religious people today?

Jumpstarter 4 of 10

Add your phone number?

Thank you!

Jumpstarter 4 of 10