Matthew 18:6-7:
6 – "But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.
7 – Woe to the world for temptations to sin! For temptations must come, but woe to the one by whom the temptation comes!"
Word-by-Word Breakdown:
Verse 6:
"But whoever"
As mentioned earlier, **whoever** includes everyone. This teaching applies to anyone who causes harm or leads another astray.
Causes one of these little ones
**Little ones** refers to literal children and those with childlike faith—innocent, humble believers.
Who believe in me
Jesus emphasizes that these individuals trust Him, placing their faith and security in Him. They are precious to Him.
To sin
**To stumble** or to lead into sin means causing someone to deviate from the right path—whether by influence, neglect, or temptation.
It would be better for him
Jesus uses comparative language to emphasize the severe consequences of leading others into sin. This is not just a warning; it's a declaration of the gravity of the offense.
To have a great millstone fastened around his neck
The **millstone** imagery is stark and clear. The stone was large and heavy, used for grinding grain, and too heavy for any man to bear. Fastening it around the neck symbolizes being bound to a punishment from which there is no escape.
And to be drowned in the depths of the sea
Drowning is symbolic of complete and overwhelming destruction. The **depth of the sea** suggests death and utter removal from God's grace and mercy in judgment.
Verse 7:
Woe to the world for temptations to sin!
The word "woe" is a lamentation, a cry of sorrow and condemnation. Jesus acknowledges the presence of sin and temptation in the world, which is full of snares, traps, and influences that lead people astray. The world represents human systems, culture, and Spiritual forces that oppose God.
For temptations must come
**Temptation** is inevitable in a fallen world. Jesus acknowledges that trials and stumbling blocks are a reality because of sin's pervasive presence. God allows them to test and refine, but they are inevitable due to human nature and free will.
But woe to the one by whom the temptation comes!
While temptations will exist, Jesus clarifies that **the individual responsible for introducing sin or leading others into temptation will face God's judgment**. This is a stern warning to those who willingly or recklessly cause others to stumble.
Tying the Two Verses Together:
These two verses highlight the seriousness of leading others—especially the innocent and vulnerable—into sin. Jesus first discusses the severe consequences for individuals who cause harm or lead people away from Him. Then, He zooms out to make a broader declaration about how temptation exists in the world but warns that those who become agents of temptation will face serious consequences.
The Clear Message:
Responsibility Toward Others: Jesus makes it clear that we have a responsibility to protect and guide others, especially those who are vulnerable in their faith. Causing someone to sin is a severe offense in God's eyes.
- **Temptation Is Inevitable, but Accountability Is Key**: While Jesus acknowledges that temptation is part of the human condition, He emphasizes that those who knowingly or unknowingly introduce sin into the lives of others will not escape judgment. God will hold them accountable for their actions.
Illustrations of the Seriousness and Inescapability of Judgment:
1. **Parental Guidance**: Consider a parent who leads their child into harmful or sinful behaviors. Jesus' warning applies to those who misuse their position of influence to corrupt the innocent. A parent who neglects to teach their children right from wrong or exposes them to harmful environments is accountable for leading them into a path of sin.
2. **Church Leaders and Teachers**: A pastor, teacher, or spiritual leader who distorts the truth or fails to live by the Gospel themselves risks leading their congregation or followers astray. Jesus' warning speaks to the gravity of failing to protect the spiritual health of others. Leading someone into sin is a far greater offense than one might think.
3. **Modern Society's Influence on Youth**: In today's media-saturated world, countless examples of young people being led astray by harmful influences—through music, films, or social media. Many people who produce these messages believe they will never be held accountable, but this passage clarifies that they will face judgment for the harm they cause.
4. **Exploitation and Abuse**: Consider individuals who exploit, manipulate, or abuse the vulnerable for their gain. Whether it's child exploitation or Spiritual abuse, this verse illustrates the seriousness of harming those under our care. Jesus clarifies that leading the innocent into sin or harm will not go unpunished.
Examples of Divine Accountability;
Old Testament Examples: Throughout the Bible, God holds people accountable for leading others into sin. A notable example is the **Pharaoh of Egypt**, who not only oppressed God's people but hardened his heart and led his nation into deeper sin. God judged Pharaoh severely, both through plagues and eventually the drowning of his army in the Red Sea—a fitting echo of the drowning imagery of Matthew 18.
- **Sodom and Gomorrah**: The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed because of their pervasive sinfulness and the harm they inflicted on the innocent. While they thought they could live without consequences, God's judgment was sudden and complete.
Comments on Divine Justice:
Jesus' message is clear: **God does not take sin lightly, especially concerning the innocent**. While temptations and sins will exist in this world, that doesn't excuse the actions of those who cause others to fall. There will be divine accountability for those who cause harm, and Jesus uses robust and unambiguous language to describe the consequences.
1. **Inescapability of Judgment**: Using the millstone and drowning in the sea demonstrate the inescapable nature of God's judgment. Those who cause others to sin may avoid earthly consequences but cannot escape divine judgment.
2. **God's Heart for the Innocent**: Jesus' warning reflects God's protective nature toward those who are vulnerable and innocent, particularly those who trust in Him. God's heart is filled with compassion for the weak, and He will not let the sins against them go unanswered.
Conclusion:
Matthew 18:6-7 is a powerful declaration of the severity with which God views those who harm or lead others into sin. **Causing Spiritual or moral harm to the vulnerable** is not just a mistake or a slight misstep; it's an offense with eternal consequences.
The imagery of the millstone and drowning emphasizes the seriousness and **finality of God's judgment**. Though temptation is a part of life, those who become agents of temptation and sin will face divine justice. Jesus' words serve as both a warning and a reminder: God sees the harm done to His little ones and will act accordingly to ensure justice is served. **What Jesus says, Jesus does.**
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