What does it mean to be offended by Jesus?

The Greek word skandalon, here translated as offended, literally refers to that which tempts one to sin, or a trap that causes one to fall away from the faith. Jesus appraises those as blessed who do not stumble on account of his outward appearance, for he came as a servant and not as a ruler. Blessed are those who believe in Jesus, placing their trust in him. Even in Old Testament times it was prophesied that many would stumble when the Servant of the Lord appeared (Isaiah 52:14).

Matthew 11:6 cannot be read in isolation from Matthew 11:5. When Jesus says that the one who is not offended by him is blessed, he is proclaiming a general truth, but at the same time specifically directing this towards John. With these words Jesus concludes his answer to John’s inquiry regarding his status as Messiah, and proclaims this blessing to show that he is the all-controlling focal point of this new dispensation (Matthew 11:5).¹

Matthew 11:6 therefore simply says that those who believe what Jesus proclaimed in Matthew 11:5 are indeed blessed. To take offense, to stumble into sin as was the case with John, as he had not been satisfied with the work Jesus was doing, and even suggested the possibility that it might be surpassed. What happened to John can also happen to others if they fall into sin because of the work of Christ, for, after all, Jesus’ warning and promise in Matthew 10:5–6 is stated in very general terms. As such, the sins of John must also serve as a warning example: believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.²