Matthew 18:5-7 is about the importance of humility and servitude in the kingdom of God, warning against causing others to stumble through our actions and emphasizing the gravity of such actions.
5 “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me,
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 it is necessary that temptations come, but woe to the one by whom the temptation comes!
Setting the Scene for Matthew 18:5-7
In Matthew chapter 18, Jesus is surrounded by a crowd of people, including his disciples and various followers. The scene takes place on a hillside overlooking the Sea of Galilee, with the gentle breeze carrying the scent of wildflowers and the sound of waves crashing against the shore. The disciples are seated around Jesus, eager to learn from his teachings and wisdom.
As Jesus begins to speak, he gestures towards a group of children playing nearby, their laughter filling the air. He uses this moment to teach his disciples about the importance of humility and innocence, telling them that unless they become like little children, they will never enter the kingdom of heaven. The disciples listen intently, their hearts stirred by his words.
Suddenly, a sense of peace descends upon the group, as they bask in the presence of their beloved teacher. The sun begins to set, casting a warm golden glow over the scene, as Jesus continues to impart his timeless lessons of love, forgiveness, and compassion.
What is Matthew 18:5-7 about?
Jesus is emphasizing the importance of welcoming and caring for children in this verse. Children were considered insignificant in the society of that time, but Jesus turns this notion on its head by emphasizing their value and worth. Jesus teaches us to approach others with humility, openness, and love, regardless of their social status or age, by using children as an example. Children are seen as pure, innocent, and trusting, and Jesus wants us to learn from them and treat them with respect and kindness.
Furthermore, when Jesus warns against causing children to stumble, he is highlighting the need to protect and nurture their faith. Children are impressionable and vulnerable, and any harm done to them could hinder their spiritual growth and relationship with God. Jesus is admonishing us to avoid causing harm to children, calling us to be mindful of our actions and words, ensuring that we are not leading others astray or causing them to lose their way in their faith journey. This verse serves as a reminder for us to prioritize the well-being and spiritual development of children, showing them the same love and care that Jesus exemplified during his ministry.
Understanding what Matthew 18:5-7 really means
In the Gospel of Matthew, we find a poignant passage where Jesus speaks about the significance of humility and the gravity of causing others to stumble. This verse is nestled within a larger discourse on the values of the Kingdom of Heaven, emphasizing the essence of childlike humility and innocence as essential qualities for those who seek to follow Christ. Jesus states, “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me,” underscoring the profound connection between embracing humility and purity, symbolized by children, and welcoming the presence of Jesus Himself. This simple yet profound statement challenges us to reevaluate our understanding of greatness and to embrace the humility exemplified by children.
Moreover, Jesus issues a stark warning against causing harm to those who believe in Him, especially the vulnerable and innocent. He declares that it would be better for someone to face a gruesome fate than to lead others astray, emphasizing the severe consequences of being a stumbling block to those on their spiritual journey. The imagery of a millstone around one’s neck and drowning in the depths of the sea vividly portrays the seriousness of the offense and the weight of responsibility that comes with influencing others, particularly in matters of faith.
Jesus’s words extend beyond individual actions to the broader societal impact of causing others to stumble. He pronounces, “Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come!” This admonition highlights the inevitability of temptations and stumbling blocks in the world while underscoring the personal accountability each individual bears in avoiding being a source of temptation for others. It echoes the sentiment expressed in 1 Corinthians 10:13, assuring believers that God provides a way out of temptation while emphasizing the need for vigilance in our conduct.
The relevance of these teachings in today’s context is striking, especially in a world where our actions and words can reach and influence countless individuals, particularly the young and impressionable. The power of social media and other platforms magnifies our capacity to impact others, making it imperative for us to consider the weight of our influence. Reflecting on a contemporary scenario where someone’s actions led others astray, resulting in detrimental consequences, serves as a poignant reminder of the ripple effect our choices can have on those around us.
In conclusion, the timeless wisdom encapsulated in Matthew 18:5-7 resonates with us today, urging us to embody humility, exercise caution in our influence, and uphold our responsibility to nurture rather than hinder the faith of others. As we ponder these profound truths, let us introspect on our actions and interactions, striving to be beacons of light and sources of encouragement in our communities. May we heed Jesus’s call to welcome the humble and innocent, avoid causing others to stumble, and uphold the sanctity of our role in guiding others towards the path of righteousness.
What behaviors can cause others to stumble spiritually?
Behaviors that can cause others to stumble spiritually are those that lead others into sin or hinder their relationship with God. When we act in ways that are contrary to God’s will or encourage others to do the same, we become stumbling blocks to them. These behaviors can include promoting immorality, deceit, greed, pride, or any other sinful behavior that may lead others astray.
Jesus warns against causing others to stumble by highlighting the severe repercussions for those who lead others into sin. He emphasizes the seriousness of the responsibility we have towards our brothers and sisters in Christ, warning that it would be better for us to have a millstone tied around our neck and be thrown into the sea than to cause others to sin. This serves as a strong reminder of the importance of being mindful of our actions and their impact on those around us. We, as followers of Christ, are called to be examples of His love and righteousness to others. Therefore, we must be diligent in our conduct, ensuring that we do not lead others astray but instead help them to grow spiritually and draw closer to God. We can avoid becoming stumbling blocks to those around us and instead lead them towards a deeper relationship with Him by living according to God’s Word and walking in obedience to His commandments.
Application
Let’s open our hearts and be a source of comfort and support to those who are most in need. Just as we prioritize our work and family, let us extend the same care to those who may feel overlooked or marginalized. It’s time to embrace the message from Matthew 18:5-7 and truly embody the spirit of love and compassion. Will you join me in making a difference in someone’s life today?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.