-       Story of Jesus’ rejection at Nazareth and sending out the twelve to preach and to work miracles.-       Three basic points: Jesus causes offence. Prepare to be offended by Jesus. Prepare to offend and to be rejected.1)    Jesus causes offence-       Jesus preaches well. Instead of positive reaction, suspicion: “Where did he get these things?” And insult: “Isn’t this the son of Mary?” Not Joseph, ie a b*****d.-       And they took offence at him: skandalizo.-       Particular offence: Jesus from ordinary place, familiar figure, scandal of birth.-       General offence: Christ subverts expectations and sensibilities.2)    Prepare to be offended by Jesus-       Detail in story: ‘He could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick peopleand healed them’ (Mark 6:5).-       Humility before Christ calls forth blessing.-       What do you find difficult/offensive? “Blessed is the one who is not offended by me.” Matt. 11:63)    Prepare to offend and to be rejectedFaithfulness to Christ may be an offence.-       Avoid obnoxiousness.-       Offence a byproduct of faithfulness. Christ committed to goodness and truth. Not everyone is.Rejected with Christ. Accepted by the Father.-       Rejection can be terrible-       The cross of Christ: ‘He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief’ (Isaiah 53:3).-       Christ found identity in love of the Father: “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased” (Mark 1:11).-       We are children of the Father too: ‘See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God’s children now…’ (1 John 3:1-2).-       Christ instructed disciples: “If any place will not receive you and they will not listen to you, shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them” (Mark 6:11).-       Not in anger, but resolution to care fundamentally about what God wants.Basic Idea:-       Allow yourself to be offended by Christ.-       Don’t worry about offending others for his sake.-       Find your identity in the love of God and your status as his child.

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