10:23 All things are
lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me,
but not all things edify. 24 Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s
well-being...
31 Therefore, whether
you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 32 Give no
offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God, 33 just
as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the
profit of many, that they may be saved.
There is a strong theme in the writings of Paul to be
considerate of others to the point of not doing things we know are OK to do if
it will confuse or offend others. Paul didn't make this up. It is a principle
of love. Jesus was like that. He was considerate of others even to the point
that He wouldn't even share truth that His followers were not yet able to
handle. Love is other centered. Love is compassionate and considerate.
Now having said all that there is another side of this
"coin". In the fall of 1965 the Byrds released an album that made a
portion of Scripture popular. They sang "For everything turn, turn, turn.
There is a season turn, turn, turn, and a time for every purpose under
heaven." The lyrics (except for all the turns) came from Ecclesiastes
chapter three. The simple message of the chapter is that there is a time for
everything. That means if there is a time to not offend and be considerate
there must also be a time to be offensive. Sound crazy?
The only wise and safe thing to do to test the theory is
follow Jesus through His life here on earth and see if He chose at times to
purposely offend. Turns out He did. My favourite example is Mark 3. As He did
every Sabbath day Jesus went to the synagogue (church) to worship His Father with
other believers. When He arrived there was a man there who had a hand that was
completely useless. He was what we would call today partially physically
disabled.
His very presence was creating tension. Why? Because the Jews
believed at that time that any sickness or problem was a judgement from God for
wrong doing. That's why the disciples asked Jesus in John 9 if it was his own
fault or the fault of his parents that a man they were passing by was born
blind. Any issue was considered Divine punishment.
The Jews also believed that such cursed people were unclean
and to be avoided. The very fact he was in their synagogue was a big problem.
Now it must be understood that Jesus had options. He could have asked the man
to please leave so as not to offend. He even could have taken him outside and
explained to him that he was not cursed, that he had done nothing wrong, but in
order to not offend the false beliefs of those inside it was best if he not
come back in. Jesus even could have quietly taken him outside and healed him
and sent him on his way.
He had so many options that would have alleviated the tension
and not brought any offense. He chose none of those options. Here is what He
did:
"And He entered
the synagogue again, and a man was there who had a withered hand. 2 So they
watched Him closely, whether He would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they
might accuse Him. 3 And He said to the man who had the withered hand, “Step
forward.” 4 Then He said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to
do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they kept silent. 5 And when He had
looked around at them with anger, being grieved by the hardness of their
hearts, He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he stretched it out,
and his hand was restored as whole as the other. 6 Then the Pharisees went out
and immediately plotted with the Herodians against Him, how they might destroy
Him."
I think it's safe to say Jesus very deliberately offended
them. Why? We'll explore that tomorrow...
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