What is the meaning of Matthew 18:8? If your hand or your foot causes you to sin “If your hand or your foot causes you to sin…” • Jesus starts with the parts of the body most identified with action and movement. • The statement assumes personal responsibility; no one can blame circumstances when the issue lies in the heart (James 1:14-15; Mark 7:20-23). • Sin here is any action, habit, or relationship drawing us away from obedience (Romans 6:13; Mark 9:43-47). cut it off and throw it away “…cut it off and throw it away.” • The language is intentionally shocking, underscoring the radical steps required to break with sin (Colossians 3:5; Galatians 5:24). • Jesus is not advocating self-mutilation but decisive removal of whatever feeds temptation: – End ungodly entertainment, partnerships, or online habits. – Establish accountability, filters, or physical distance where needed (Proverbs 4:14-15). • The command to “throw it away” stresses permanence; we do not keep sin on standby “just in case” (Hebrews 12:1). It is better for you to enter life crippled or lame “It is better for you to enter life crippled or lame…” • “Life” points to eternal life—knowing Christ now and forever (John 17:3; Matthew 25:46). • Any earthly loss is temporary; the gain of life with God is immeasurable (Philippians 3:7-8). • Physical imagery reminds us that even severe inconvenience is preferable to spiritual death (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). than to have two hands and two feet and be thrown into the eternal fire “…than to have two hands and two feet and be thrown into the eternal fire.” • Eternity is real and irreversible. Jesus pictures hell as conscious, unending punishment (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:15). • Clinging to sin may feel satisfying in the moment but ends in destruction (Proverbs 14:12; Romans 6:23). • The contrast exposes the folly of valuing temporary pleasures over everlasting joy. summary Matthew 18:8 presses believers to treat sin as a mortal enemy. Whatever fuels temptation must be dealt with immediately and decisively, because eternal life with Christ far outweighs any cost. Choosing holiness now secures joy forever; choosing sin now risks eternal fire. |
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