Matthew 18:6

Matthew 18:6 delivers a stark warning from Jesus concerning anyone who would cause a believer, especially a vulnerable one, to stumble in their faith. The imagery used—a millstone around the neck and being drowned in the sea—underscores the extreme severity of such an offense in God's eyes.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' discourse to His disciples on humility, the value of believers, and the nature of the Kingdom of Heaven, recorded in Matthew Chapter 18. Immediately preceding this verse, Jesus emphasizes the importance of becoming like little children to enter the Kingdom (Matthew 18:3) and states that whoever receives a child in His name receives Him (Matthew 18:5). Therefore, "these little ones" (Greek: mikroi) refers not just to actual children, but more broadly to humble believers, those who are dependent, vulnerable, or new in faith within the community. Jesus' teaching here highlights God's profound care for His faithful, regardless of their social standing or perceived importance.

Key Themes

• The Sanctity of Faith: Jesus places immense value on the faith of even the most humble believer, indicating that harming their spiritual journey is an egregious sin.
• Spiritual Stumbling Blocks: The core warning is against actions, words, or attitudes that lead others, particularly those weak in faith, into sin, doubt, or away from Christ. This is often referred to as causing someone to "stumble."
• Divine Judgment: The graphic and severe imagery of the millstone and drowning depicts the extreme displeasure of God and the dire consequences awaiting those who intentionally cause spiritual harm to His followers. This form of capital punishment was known in the ancient world and signified utter destruction without recovery.
• Protection of the Vulnerable: The verse powerfully affirms God's protective nature over His "little ones," showing that He takes personal offense when they are harmed.

Linguistic Insights

The key word here is "offend," translated from the Greek verb skandalizo (σκανδαλίζω). This term does not mean merely to displease or annoy, but literally "to cause to stumble," "to put a snare or trap in someone's way," or "to entice to sin." It refers to any act that leads another person to fall morally or spiritually. The "millstone" mentioned is a mylos onikos (μύλος ὀνικός), literally an "ass-millstone," which was a large, heavy stone turned by a donkey, far too massive for a person to manage, emphasizing the crushing weight and irreversible nature of the punishment described.

Related Scriptures

The theme of causing others to stumble is echoed throughout the New Testament. Mark 9:42 and Luke 17:2 present parallel warnings from Jesus with similar imagery. Paul further elaborates on the responsibility of believers not to become a stumbling block to others, especially in matters of conscience, as seen in Romans 14:13-23 and 1 Corinthians 8:9-13, where he warns against actions that could lead a weaker brother or sister to sin.

Practical Application

Matthew 18:6 serves as a powerful reminder for all believers to consider the impact of their words, actions, and attitudes on others, particularly those who are spiritually vulnerable, new in faith, or still developing. It calls us to:

• Exercise Caution: Be mindful of how our choices, freedoms, or teachings might inadvertently lead someone else astray or cause them to lose faith.
• Protect the Weak: Prioritize the spiritual well-being of the less mature or more susceptible members of the community, nurturing their faith rather than jeopardizing it.
• Live Responsibly: Recognize the serious spiritual consequences of causing another to stumble, understanding that God holds us accountable for our influence. This verse underscores the immense value God places on every individual believer and the severity with which He views any harm inflicted upon their faith.