Meaning and Interpretation of Matthew 11:6

Bible Verse: Matthew 11:6: "And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me."

Overview

Matthew 11:6 is a profound statement from Jesus that highlights the importance of faith and the dangers of stumbling blocks in our belief. This verse emphasizes the blessings that come to those who remain steadfast and unoffended by Christ's teachings and actions.

Commentary Insights

• Matthew Henry's Commentary:

  Henry emphasizes that the beatitude—'Blessed is he'—is a declaration of happiness for those who do not reject or are led astray by Jesus’ message. He points out the challenge faced by believers when confronted by doubts or confusion regarding the Lord's methods and timing in fulfilling His promises.

• Albert Barnes' Notes:

  Barnes elucidates the notion of being 'offended' in Christ, connecting it with the broader rejection of His authority and the offense caused by His lowly state and crucifixion. He asserts that true believers find joy in following Christ despite societal disapproval or personal struggles.

• Adam Clarke's Commentary:

  Clarke elaborates on the societal context, where many found Jesus’ straightforward teachings challenging. He underscores that struggling with faith is human, and those who endure these challenges receive divine blessings.

Thematic Connections

This verse links to numerous other scriptures, forming a rich tapestry of theological insights that enrich understanding:

• Luke 7:23: "And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me," directly parallels this verse.
• Romans 9:33: Discusses the stumbling stone, connecting rejection with the fate of the unbelievers.
• 1 Peter 2:7-8: Highlighting the preciousness of Christ to believers while becoming a stone of offense to others.
• Isaiah 8:14: Prophetic mention of the Lord as a stone of stumbling, showing the continuity of this theme from the Old Testament.
• Matthew 5:10: "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake," correlating the blessings given by enduring offenses.
• 1 Corinthians 1:23: "But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock," further illustrating the reactions to Jesus’ ministry.
• John 6:61: Where Jesus acknowledges that His teachings can be difficult, exemplifying the struggle to accept Him fully.
• Matthew 16:23: Jesus rebukes Peter for being a stumbling block, echoing the core message of being unoffended because of His mission.
• Luke 2:34: Simeon prophesies that Jesus is set for the fall and rising of many, again capturing the dichotomy between acceptance and rejection.

Cross-Referencing these Connections

Discovering cross-references in the Bible enriches understanding. Here are some resources and methods:

• Bible Concordance: A helpful tool for finding specific verses related to themes of offense, belief, and blessedness.
• Bible Cross-Reference Guide: Use it to identify relationships between verses, especially those related to Christ’s teachings.
• Bible Chain References: Linking verses through thematic studies enhances comprehension of how Scripture dialogues interconnect.
• Cross-Referencing Bible Study Methods: Engage in comparative studies of verses to see how concepts of belief and offense interwine.

Practical Application

In daily life, the message of Matthew 11:6 encourages believers to remain steadfast in faith. It warns against being swayed by external doubts or societal pressures. Embracing the blessing described in this verse results in deeper faith and connection with Christ.

Conclusion

Matthew 11:6 serves as a reminder of the blessings and challenges inherent in faith. By delving into cross-references and understanding the holistic scriptural narrative, believers can strengthen their relationship with the text and God.