“But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.”– Matthew 18:6 (KJV)
“But if you cause one of these little ones who trust in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea.”– Matthew 18:6 (NLT)
“But if you give one of these children who trust in me a hard time, you’re better off being thrown into the sea with a millstone around your neck.”– Matthew 18:6 (MSG)
What Does Matthew 18:6 Mean?
This verse is a warning from Jesus to His disciples about the serious consequences of causing harm to those who believe in Him, especially children and the vulnerable. Jesus uses a vivid metaphor that illustrates the gravity of leading someone away from faith or causing them to sin. The metaphor of a millstone, which was a large stone used for grinding grain, signifies a heavy burden. This saying implies that it is far better to suffer a great physical punishment than to lead a child or a believer astray.
In the context of Jesus’ teachings, this instruction serves a dual purpose. First, it emphasizes the protective nature of God towards His followers, particularly the innocent or those with childlike faith. Second, it emphasizes personal responsibility. Every follower of Christ is called to act in ways that build up the faith of others instead of tearing it down.
Matthew 18:6 Explanation and Commentary
As we reflect on Matthew 18:6, we sense the urgency in the Scripture regarding how we treat others, particularly our children and those who are young in faith. It is essential to recognize that Jesus had a heart for the vulnerable. He often spoke tenderly about children and had a special place for them in His ministry. This particular verse not only highlights the importance of nurturing a relationship with Christ but also warns against the consequences of improper actions.
The culture of Jesus’ time placed a great emphasis on community and relationships. For many, it wasn’t just about individual belief, but rather about how one’s faith could influence family and community. Jesus addresses His disciples, helping them understand that their behaviors could directly affect the faith and spirituality of others, particularly the younger or more impressionable individuals. If we are to guide and nurture others, we must reflect the love and teachings of Christ in our actions.
We should also consider that this warning does not merely apply to children in age but can symbolize anyone who is new to faith or struggling. A seasoned believer has a responsibility to uplift and encourage those around them. Any leading astray is not just a simple mistake; it bears significant consequences. Consequently, it compels us to think carefully about our words and actions, as they could weigh heavily on someone else’s spiritual journey.
Moreover, in society today, we face numerous influences that discourage our faith, especially among children and young adults. We must be vigilant, ensuring we do not contribute to practices that undermine their belief systems. Whether it’s through media, education, or peer interactions, we need to create environments that encourage faith and moral integrity. When we witness negativity or doubt influencing a believer, it becomes our duty to counter that with love, understanding, and guidance rooted in our faith.
Finally, it’s worth emphasizing the imagery of “being drowned in the depths of the sea.” This notion shouldn’t be taken lightly. It serves as a metaphor for ultimate loss—a complete severance from the love and community of Christ. When we confront this stark choice, it brings clarity to the importance of our decisions and actions within our communities. The heart of this message is about compassion and accountability, urging us to be stewards of faith in a world that can often be confused and divisive. Each of us has the power to lead others toward Christ or away from Him. Our influence matters.
Context of Matthew 18:6
The context surrounding Matthew 18:6 is rich and vital for understanding the message Jesus intends to convey. This section of Scripture occurs right after Jesus’ teachings about humility and forgiveness. Earlier in chapter 18, Jesus calls for His followers to be like little children, emphasizing their innocence and dependence on God. This context builds upon His overall teaching of humility and dependence on God.
In the verses that precede this teaching, the disciples had been arguing about who was the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Jesus’ response encourages them to take on a humble, childlike heart and follow Christ in humility. By placing this passage after His teaching on humility, it underlines the idea that those who truly want to follow Christ should be protective of the faith of others, especially the innocent ones.
It is also essential to recognize that this passage is part of a larger discourse where Jesus speaks about the nature of the Kingdom of Heaven. This teaching serves as a reminder that greatness in God’s kingdom is not about power or prestige. Instead, it’s measured by how we love and guide others closer to Jesus. The consequences of not doing this, as seen in verse six, remind us of the responsibility we have toward one another.
In addition, this warning against causing others to stumble is further echoed later in the chapter when Jesus describes the process of restoration for a brother who sins. This highlights an ongoing theme in Matthew 18 about accountability and community, emphasizing that we are all part of the body of Christ. If one suffers, we all suffer, and if one stumbles, it falls upon our collective responsibility to ensure they are brought back into fellowship.
The seriousness of this message should not be lost on us. Jesus is not only speaking to the disciples of His time; He’s addressing all of us who identify with Him as followers. We must recognize the weight of our influence and take heed of our actions that might lead others away from their faith in Christ.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 18:6
There are several components of Matthew 18:6 that deserve further exploration. The notion of “offending one of these little ones” serves as a critical point in understanding the gravity of our influence on others. When Jesus speaks of “little ones,” we should remember He refers not only to age but also to spiritual maturity and vulnerability. These ‘little ones’ represent believers who are sensitive and impressionable. When we think about how easy it is to sway someone’s faith, we realize the importance of our actions.
The term “offend” translates to leading someone into sin or temptation. This means that our words or behaviors may mislead or confuse others, causing them to turn away from the faith or struggle in their relationship with God. We must ask ourselves often, “Are our actions leading others to Christ, or are they leading them away?” Recognizing the power our behaviors hold is the first step toward being more mindful of how we interact with others.
When Jesus speaks about the consequences of such actions, He uses vivid imagery with the millstone. The millstone was a heavy stone that would have great physical weight. If someone were to have this tied around their neck and thrown into the sea, it illustrates a completely dire outcome. The imagery creates a striking picture of the false sense of security we might have when leading someone away from God. The ultimate fate of such actions is not one to be taken lightly; it portrays a depth of despair that represents loss not just in this life but potentially the next.
Next, when we reflect on the directive to “be drowned in the depth of the sea,” the verse starkly reminds us of the severity of consequences when we harm others in faith. It signifies spiritual death or separation from God, which is something we would never desire for anyone, especially for those we are called to love and nurture. This part reiterates the urgency with which we must take care of the faith of others and exercise love, grace, and truth when engaging with those around us.
Finally, we must not overlook the compassionate heart of Christ. His teachings always reflect love and concern for others—especially the vulnerable. By understanding the weight of our influence, we also must embrace the opportunity we have to influence others positively. We must strive to reflect the love of Christ, nurturing and supporting those around us to grow in their faith and relationships with God.
Lessons to Learn From Matthew 18:6
As we reflect on Matthew 18:6, several invaluable lessons emerge that can profoundly impact our lives and the lives of those around us. One of the primary lessons is the weight of responsibility we carry as believers. Every interaction we have has the potential to encourage and uplift or discourage and lead astray. Jesus’ warning compels us to consider carefully how we treat each other, especially those who may look up to us for guidance.
We also learn about the significance of humility and childlike faith in our relationships with others. Being humble allows us to recognize our own need for God while respecting the faith of others. When we embody childlike humility, we create a safer environment for growth, love, and trust. This encourages an atmosphere where individuals feel valued, accepted, and supported.
Additionally, another lesson from this verse is the importance of being aware of our influence. We might not always realize how our actions impact others, but we have a responsibility to examine our behaviors and attitudes. Are we presenting ourselves as reflections of Christ? This consideration leads us to be more intentional in our daily interactions, encouraging a sense of Christ-like compassion and understanding.
We also need to recognize and appreciate the collective community of believers. Each of us plays a role in God’s work. When united in purpose and love, we can better support one another through challenges and triumphs, fostering a healthy and thriving environment for spiritual growth. We should not shy away from encouraging one another to grow closer to Christ and ensuring that our actions are harmonious with nurturing faith.
Lastly, we learn that Christ desires to protect the innocent and reconnect those who have wandered. He is always pursuing us, even when we stray. As followers, we should mirror that heart and extend grace not only to those who are believers but also to those who are not. When we ignite a fire of love for others, especially those vulnerable in faith, we represent Christ’s heart and intent while working towards building a loving community together.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Matthew 18:6 presents a powerful and sobering message about our responsibility as followers of Jesus. Encouraging one another in faith is not a task to take lightly; it carries weighty consequences and reflects our commitment to helping others grow spiritually. By seeking to create an atmosphere of love and accountability, we ensure not just our spiritual growth but that of those around us. The call is simple yet profound—let’s work together to build a community grounded in faith, love, and encouragement.
As we reflect on these truths, let us strive to embody the love of Christ in our interactions, leading others toward Him rather than causing them to stumble. Furthermore, do not hesitate to explore other meaningful topics. Check out Matthew 11 or take a look at the stories in Genesis 18. Each lesson helps to deepen our understanding of Scripture and guides us in living out our faith.