Matthew 18:7

Matthew 18:7 is a profound warning from Jesus, delivered within a discourse about humility, the value of 'little ones' (believers, especially new or vulnerable ones), and the seriousness of causing others to stumble spiritually. This verse follows His stark warning in Matthew 18:6 about the severe consequences for those who cause a 'little one' to stumble.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' teaching to His disciples regarding the nature of the Kingdom of Heaven and the responsibilities of those within it. The immediate context (Matthew 18:1-14) emphasizes humility, the care for fellow believers, and the divine value placed on each individual. Jesus had just taught His disciples to become like little children to enter the kingdom, underscoring the importance of not despising or causing harm to His followers.

Key Themes

• The Reality of "Offences" (Stumbling Blocks): Jesus acknowledges that 'offences' (Greek: skandalon) are an unavoidable part of a fallen world. This term refers to a trap, snare, or an obstacle over which one might trip and fall, often leading to sin or spiritual ruin. It encompasses actions, words, or attitudes that cause others to lose faith, fall into sin, or deviate from God's path.
• Inevitable But Condemned: While Jesus states "it must needs be that offences come," this is not an endorsement of them. Rather, it's a realistic recognition of the presence of sin and evil in the world, and the free will of humanity. The world's brokenness guarantees such stumbling blocks will arise.
• Severe Warning for the Offender: Despite the inevitability of offences in general, Jesus pronounces a "woe" (a strong expression of sorrow and condemnation, implying divine judgment) upon the specific individual "by whom the offence cometh." This highlights personal accountability and the grave spiritual danger for those who actively or passively lead others into sin or away from God. This echoes similar warnings against hypocrisy and spiritual blindness found elsewhere, such as in Jesus' woes against the scribes and Pharisees.

Linguistic Insights

The key Greek word here is skandalon (σκανδαλον), translated as "offence." Originally, it referred to the movable stick or trigger of a trap, and by extension, the trap itself or a stumbling block. In a moral and spiritual sense, it denotes anything that causes one to stumble, fall into sin, or lose faith. This is why the KJV's "offence" should be understood not merely as an insult, but as a severe spiritual trap or cause of ruin.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder for believers to be vigilant about their influence and actions. We are called to live in a way that builds up, rather than tears down, our fellow believers and those seeking God. Our words, examples, and choices can either be a source of encouragement or a detrimental stumbling block. It compels us to:

• Examine Our Conduct: Are our actions, attitudes, or teachings inadvertently causing others to stumble or question their faith?
• Protect the Vulnerable: We have a special responsibility to protect and nurture new believers and those struggling in their faith.
• Live Responsibly: While we cannot prevent all evil in the world, we are held accountable for our own role in perpetuating it or causing others to sin. This underscores the importance of not putting a stumbling block or obstacle in the way of another believer.

Reflection

Matthew 18:7 powerfully conveys both the sad reality of sin's presence in the world and the solemn individual responsibility each person bears. It challenges us to reflect on our impact on others' spiritual journeys, urging us to be agents of grace and truth, not sources of spiritual harm.