THE SON OF MAN INSTRUCTS HIS DISCIPLES

In our journey through life, we often encounter challenges that test our faith and character. As followers of Christ, we are called to a higher standard - one that often goes against our natural inclinations. Today, let's explore three crucial aspects of the Christian walk: dealing with offense, embracing forgiveness, and serving with humility.

Jesus warned His disciples that stumbling blocks are inevitable in this world. These are not mere obstacles, but deliberate attempts to derail our faith journey. The Greek word used here, "skandalon," paints a vivid picture - like a trap set to ensnare an unsuspecting animal. In our modern context, we might think of it as the bait under a box trap, waiting to capture its prey.

Just as the Pharisees tried to discredit Jesus and make salvation seem unattainable, there are still those today who seek to confuse and mislead believers. They may twist the truth, spread rumors, or create unnecessary barriers to faith. Jesus takes this matter seriously, stating that it would be better for such people to have a millstone tied around their neck and be thrown into the sea than to cause a young believer to stumble.

This stern warning reminds us of our responsibility to nurture and protect those new in faith. We must be vigilant in our words and actions, ensuring that we don't become stumbling blocks ourselves. As 1 Timothy 4:16 advises, "Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you."

Recognizing the difficulties that arise within the body of Christ, Jesus addresses the crucial topic of forgiveness. He instructs His followers to rebuke a brother who sins, but also to forgive him if he repents - even if this cycle repeats seven times in a day!

This teaching challenges our natural inclination for revenge or holding grudges. It requires a supernatural empowerment to forgive repeatedly, especially when we feel justified in our anger. The disciples recognized the difficulty of this command and asked Jesus to increase their faith.

Jesus' response is both surprising and enlightening. He explains that it's not about the quantity of faith, but its quality. Even faith as small as a mustard seed can accomplish the seemingly impossible - like uprooting a deeply rooted mulberry tree and planting it in the sea. The key is not the size of our faith, but where we place it. A little faith in a tremendous God can move mountains.

Forgiveness activates the life God is calling us to live. It's motivated by love - the kind of love described in 1 Corinthians 13. This love "does not take into account a wrong suffered" and "bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." When we forgive, we reflect the very nature of God and experience the freedom He intends for us.

As we grow in our ability to forgive and exercise faith, we must guard against spiritual pride. Jesus illustrates this with a parable about a servant who simply does what is expected of him. The master doesn't thank the servant for doing his job - it's what he's supposed to do.

Similarly, when we obey God's commands, we shouldn't expect special recognition or rewards. We are simply doing what we ought to do as followers of Christ. This attitude keeps us humble and focused on serving God rather than seeking praise from others.

Jesus warns against the kind of spiritual pride exhibited by the Pharisees, who loved to be noticed for their religious observances. They wore oversized phylacteries and elongated tassels, sought the best seats in the synagogues, and relished being called "Rabbi" in the marketplaces. In contrast, true disciples serve not to be seen by others, but out of love for God.

Ephesians 6:6 captures this beautifully, instructing us to serve "not by way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart." Our service should flow from an internal transformation, not external pressure or desire for recognition.

As we navigate the challenges of offense, practice forgiveness, and serve with humility, we become living testimonies of God's transforming power. Like toothpaste squeezed from a tube, the pressures of life should cause what's inside us to come out - and if Christ is in us, His love, grace, and forgiveness should flow freely.

Just as toothpaste enters a dark, dirty place (our mouths) and transforms it, we are called to be agents of transformation in this fallen world. The challenges we face are opportunities for Christ's character to shine through us, bringing light to dark places and hope to hopeless situations.

As we reflect on these teachings, let's ask ourselves some probing questions:

1. Am I aware of potential stumbling blocks in my life? Am I careful not to become one for others?
   
2. How readily do I forgive those who wrong me? Do I trust God to handle justice when I choose to forgive?
3. Is my faith genuinely placed in God, or am I relying on my own strength?
4. Do I serve God and others with a humble heart, or am I seeking recognition and praise?
5. When life's pressures come, what comes out of me? Does it reflect Christ's character?
   

The path of discipleship is not easy, but it is transformative. As we embrace forgiveness, exercise faith, and serve with humility, we grow more like Christ and become powerful witnesses to His love and grace in a world desperately in need of both.

May we be encouraged to press on, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain. Though we may not see immediate results, we can trust that God is working in and through us, accomplishing His purposes and bringing glory to His name. Let us continue to follow Christ faithfully, doing what we ought to do, and trusting Him for the results.