How does Luke 17:2 connect with Matthew 18:6 on causing others to stumble? The Shared Warning • Luke 17:2—“It would be better for him to have a millstone hung around his neck and to be thrown into the sea than to cause one of these little ones to stumble.” • 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 statements are nearly identical, spoken by Jesus on separate occasions, underscoring how gravely He views spiritual sabotage. The repetition seals the certainty and literal seriousness of His warning. Jesus’ Imagery: Millstones and the Sea • A “large millstone” (Greek: μυλικὸς ὀνικὸς, a stone so heavy a donkey turned it) is emphatically lethal. • Drowning in the sea was, to Jewish ears, a terrifying, irreversible death. • By saying such a fate is “better,” Jesus stresses that divine judgment for leading believers into sin is far worse than a horrifying earthly death. Who Are the “Little Ones”? • In Matthew 18, Jesus has just placed a child among the disciples (18:2–5), so “little ones” includes literal children. • He immediately broadens the term: “little ones who believe in Me.” It refers to any believer regarded as vulnerable—new converts, the immature in faith, or socially powerless disciples (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:26–29). • Luke’s parallel omits “who believe in Me,” but the context and identical language point to the same group: believers needing protection. The Seriousness of Causing Spiritual Harm • Offense (Greek: σκανδαλίζω) means laying a snare that leads another into sin or unbelief. • Jesus pins responsibility on the offender, removing excuses like “they chose it themselves.” • By pairing Luke 17:2 with Matthew 18:6, we see that the warning is not isolated: He repeats it to ensure His followers grasp its weight. Practical Applications for Today • Guard your example—what you approve, post, laugh at, or endorse can pull weaker believers into compromise (Romans 14:13; 1 Corinthians 8:9). • Teach faithfully—distorted doctrine can derail souls; teachers face stricter judgment (James 3:1). • Protect children—shield them from moral corruption and false worldviews; cultivate environments that foster trust in Christ (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). • Confront lovingly—if you see someone leading others astray, intervene with truth and grace (Galatians 6:1). • Live transparently—quick confession and repentance prevent hidden sins from becoming snares for observers (1 Timothy 4:15-16). Related Scriptures that Echo the Warning • Mark 9:42—parallel account reinforcing the millstone image. • 1 Corinthians 8:12-13—Paul would rather forgo lawful liberty than “cause my brother to stumble.” • Romans 14:20-21—“It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything that causes your brother to stumble.” • Hebrews 10:24—“Let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds,” the positive flip side of Jesus’ warning. Summary Thought Luke 17:2 and Matthew 18:6 stand together as a twin lighthouse, flashing the same urgent signal: God zealously guards His “little ones.” Harming their faith provokes judgment more fearful than death by millstone-weighted drowning. The wise disciple therefore lives, speaks, and teaches in a way that steers fellow believers toward Christ—not away from Him. |
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