And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”
Whoever would hold fast to Christ's faith must expect to stumble over Him; offenses are inevitable, and many fall because they cannot get past His poverty, His cross, His spiritual rather than worldly power. But Christ Himself is the touchstone: those blessed are they who are not offended in Him, and unbelievers have no excuse.
AI summary
Christ's commission to His disciples was a binding command, not mere permission, necessity was laid upon them. When He departed from their company, He was like a nurse withdrawing her hand so the child learns to walk; they must learn to work without His bodily presence, gradually prepared for the day He would be gone much longer.
AI summary
Commenting on Matthew 11:1-6
The Jews stumbled at His humble birth and parentage, His mechanical trade, His poor company of publicans and sinners, His doctrines of His own deity and saving faith in His flesh. But blessed are those who, despite all these obstacles and the reproaches that follow profession of Him, receive Him heartily and hold fast to Him.
AI summary