How does Luke 17:1 connect with Matthew 18:6 on causing others to sin? The Shared Warning • Luke 17:1 — “Jesus said to His disciples, ‘It is inevitable that stumbling blocks will come, but woe to the one through whom they come!’” • Matthew 18:6 — “But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” • Both verses present the same two-part truth: – Temptations will exist in a fallen world. – God pronounces severe judgment on the person who becomes the channel for that temptation. Meaning of “Stumbling Blocks” • Greek skandalon — a trigger of a trap, anything that lures someone into sin or unbelief. • Luke emphasizes inevitability (“stumbling blocks will come”). • Matthew emphasizes catastrophic consequences (“better… drowned”). • Together, they underline personal responsibility: while sin’s presence is certain, becoming its agent is never excusable. Who Are the Vulnerable? • Matthew highlights “these little ones who believe in Me.” – Literally children present (cf. Matthew 18:2-5). – By extension, any believer who is immature, weak, or newly converted (1 Corinthians 8:10-11). • Luke addresses disciples in general, broadening the caution to every relationship. • Result: whether the victim is a child, a new convert, or any brother or sister, causing spiritual harm invites divine “woe.” Degrees of Accountability • Matthew’s “millstone” image conveys irreversible, public judgment—death by drowning was despised among Jews. • Luke’s “woe” announces divine wrath—inescapable even if earthly courts fail to act. • Scripture consistently ties harsher penalty to greater influence (James 3:1; Romans 14:13). Implications for Everyday Life • Guard speech and conduct—sarcasm, gossip, or suggestive humor can plant seeds of sin (Ephesians 4:29). • Refuse to normalize sin—media choices, social invitations, or business practices can legitimize what God condemns (Psalm 101:3). • Lead proactively—teach truth clearly, model holiness, set protective boundaries for the “little ones” (Proverbs 22:6). • Restore gently—if someone stumbles because of you, own it, repent, and help them stand again (Galatians 6:1). Complementary Scripture • 1 Corinthians 8:9-13 — freedom must never injure a weaker conscience. • Romans 14:13 — “make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way.” • 1 Thessalonians 5:22 — “abstain from every form of evil.” Key Takeaways • Sin’s presence is certain; participation in its spread is optional and deadly. • God so values the spiritual safety of His “little ones” that He attaches a fate worse than violent death to anyone who endangers them. • Followers of Christ must become safeguards, not snares—living proof that while stumbling blocks arise, they need not come through us. |
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