What is the meaning of Matthew 18:7? Woe to the world • Jesus begins with a solemn warning: “Woe to the world…” (Matthew 18:7a). • The word “woe” signals grief, judgment, and sorrow. Christ laments over a world marred by sin’s devastation (Genesis 6:5; Romans 8:22). • John echoes the same heartache: “Do not love the world or anything in the world” (1 John 2:15-17), reminding believers that the present world system is hostile to God. • While believers live in this fallen realm, Christ’s victory gives courage: “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). For the causes of sin • The woe specifically targets “the causes of sin”—the temptations, traps, and influences that draw people away from God (James 1:14-15). • Ever since Adam, sin’s entrance has corrupted every sphere of life: “Sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin” (Romans 5:12). • Paul warns that “the whole world lies in the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19), revealing a steady stream of enticements designed to ensnare hearts. • Christ’s lament teaches us not to treat sin lightly. What grieves Him must grieve us (Psalm 119:136). These stumbling blocks must come • Jesus continues, “These stumbling blocks must come” (Matthew 18:7b). • In a fallen creation, temptation is unavoidable; Scripture affirms that “there must also be factions among you” (1 Corinthians 11:19) and “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial…as though something strange were happening to you” (1 Peter 4:12). • God permits such trials for refining faith (James 1:2-4), exposing genuine devotion amid a counterfeit world. • Yet inevitability never excuses sin; instead, it calls believers to vigilance and dependence on the Spirit (Galatians 5:16). But woe to the man through whom they come! • Though temptation is inevitable, the one who introduces it bears full responsibility: “but woe to the man through whom they come!” (Matthew 18:7c). • Jesus repeats this in Luke 17:1, underscoring personal accountability. • Like Judas—of whom Jesus said, “It would be better for that man if he had not been born” (Matthew 26:24)—anyone who leads others into sin faces severe judgment. • Scripture cautions teachers especially: “We who teach will be judged more strictly” (James 3:1). • Paul urges believers, “Resolve never to put a stumbling block or obstacle in a brother’s way” (Romans 14:13). summary • Christ mourns the world’s brokenness and warns of judgment on sin’s corruption. • Temptations are certain in a fallen creation, yet God uses them to reveal authentic faith. • While the presence of stumbling blocks is inevitable, anyone who becomes their channel invites serious divine “woe.” • Followers of Jesus must therefore reject every role in promoting sin, guard one another’s walk, and cling to the Savior who alone overcomes the world. |
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