What is the meaning of Luke 17:2? It would be better Jesus begins with a comparative statement that sets the tone for the whole warning. “It would be better” means that what follows is actually the lesser of two evils—an outcome preferable to the judgment awaiting someone who misleads the vulnerable. • Scripture often uses such comparisons to impress urgency (Luke 12:5). • The phrase underscores real moral accountability, not hypothetical danger (Hebrews 10:31). • Jesus is not exaggerating; He is affirming that divine justice is more severe than any earthly loss. for him to have a millstone hung around his neck A millstone was a massive stone used to grind grain, far too heavy for a person to lift. Tying one to the neck guarantees sinking. • The vivid image drives home helplessness—there is no escape once judgment falls. • Matthew 18:6 and Mark 9:42 repeat the same picture, showing how strongly the Lord feels about protecting “little ones.” • Revelation 18:21 uses a similar symbol to describe Babylon’s irreversible doom, further highlighting finality. and to be thrown into the sea The sea in Scripture often represents chaos and death (Exodus 14:27; Jonah 1:15). To be hurled in while weighted down is certain, swift destruction. • This is not a call to human vengeance but a portrayal of divine justice. • The location—deep water—signals separation from the living, mirroring eternal separation from God (Luke 16:26). • God’s judgment is both just and decisive; no one can thwart it (Job 9:4). than to cause one of these little ones to stumble Here Jesus reveals the crime: making “little ones” trip in their walk of faith. • “Little ones” includes literal children and new or humble believers (Matthew 18:3–6). • To “stumble” means leading them into sin or unbelief (Romans 14:13; 1 Corinthians 8:9). • Ways people stumble others today: – Teaching error that denies clear Scripture – Modeling hypocrisy that confuses young believers – Using influence or authority to exploit or abuse • God treasures the weak, so He fiercely defends them (Psalm 82:3–4; Isaiah 40:11). • Those who guide others bear heavier responsibility (James 3:1). summary Jesus declares that ruining a child’s or young believer’s faith invites judgment worse than a horrific drowning. The graphic language underscores God’s deep love for the vulnerable and His intolerance of spiritual sabotage. Better to lose everything in this life than to face the Lord after causing even one “little one” to fall. |
    |