Whose offense is it, anyway?

When Jesus died on the cross, he died in order to take away our offense before God, therefore being able to approach him. He didn't, however, die so that those of the world who are offended by God would then accept him. Jesus died to take away our sin, our iniquities, our pain of separation from God, but he didn't die to save us from the pain and suffering that would be caused by a world that is still offended by God himself. That offense remains. Therefore, as Jesus said, "If they persecuted me, they'll persecute you too." It's because we carry God (the offense of the world) within us that we are persecuted. That pain, shame, and suffering will still remain until the end when all things are set straight once and for all.

Luke 21:17-18 You will be hated by all because of my name. But not a hair of your head will perish.

Matthew 10:24-25 A disciple is not above the teacher, nor a slave above the master; it is enough for the disciple to be like the teacher, and the slave like the master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household!

John 15:18-21 If the world hates you, be aware that it hated me before it hated you. If you belonged to the world, the world would love you as its own. Because you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world - therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, "Servants are not greater than their master." If they persecuted me, they will persecute you; if they kept my word, they will keep yours also.