Matthew 18:6 but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea. If one of these little children believes in me, an (2024)

FAQs

What does Matthew 18 verse 6 mean? ›

Matthew 18:5 KJV, NIV) But if anyone causes a little child who believes in Christ to “stumble,” it would be better if he or she “were drowned in the depth of the sea.” ( Matthew 18:6) That is a harsh warning. So how do we receive a little child in Christ's name, and what causes one to stumble? God is love.

Now He seems to be describing those who believe in Him, including adults, as "little ones." He warns that a harsh judgment will come on those who cause one of the little ones who believe in Him to sin or to stumble. This would include falling away from faith in and commitment to Christ.

Matthew 18:6 New International Version (NIV)

“If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.

Some Bible teachers believe Jesus is speaking of actual little children, but most agree that Jesus is talking about His little ones, meaning all believers in Jesus, whatever their ages.

“See that you do not despise one of these little ones.” They are true believers in Jesus, viewed from the standpoint of their childlike trust in God. They are the heaven-bound children of God. We know this because of the immediate and wider context of the Gospel of Matthew.

“If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble!

In a different usage of the phrase “stumbling block,” the Bible sometimes talks about God being a stumbling block to the wicked. In Isaiah 8:14-15, we see God causing them to be unable to walk in their ways without falling over the inequity of their sin.

A stumbling stone makes someone trip and fall. This figuratively means 'something that causes someone to lose faith in Jesus. ' and in this meaning is applied to Jesus, whose person was so contrary to the expectations of the Jews, that they rejected him and thereby lost their salvation.

Blue Letter Bible defines a stumbling block as “any person or thing by which one is (entrapped) drawn into error or sin.” We may not intend to cause someone to stumble in their faith, but our actions, or lack of, can lead others into error or sin.

And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. "And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me.

What does the Bible say about not causing others to stumble? ›

Romans 14:13-23 New Living Translation (NLT)

So let's stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall. I know and am convinced on the authority of the Lord Jesus that no food, in and of itself, is wrong to eat.

The way of the cross means interactions among community members that give life to, not destroy, the other. Verses 6-9 warn against causing other followers, and oneself, to stumble (Matthew 18:6, 7 [3x], 8, 9).

It refers to those who are literally and figuratively the “infants,” who are open to the love of God and who accept that we are all children of God. Jesus asks that we lay down the burdens of the world and rely on God to become what we are intended to be: “l*ttle ones,” to whom God desires to reveal his kingdom.

Luke 17:2 New Century Version (NCV)

It would be better for you to be thrown into the sea with a large stone around your neck than to cause one of these little ones to sin.

His point is not that Christians ought to be gullible, or naïve. Rather, they need to look to God with trusting faith, and acceptance of their own limitations. Those who support and guide other spiritual "children" are serving God. Those who lead believers astray can expect harsh judgment (Matthew 18:1–6).

Therefore I tell you, people will be forgiven for every sin and blasphemy, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come."

A heavy burden, as in Julie finds Grandma, who is crabby, a millstone around her neck.

However, Jesus comes along with an offer they couldn't refuse. He tells them to “follow me and I'll make you fishers of men.” In other words, you think what you're doing now is good, but if you follow me I can show you greatness. They were content catching fish. Jesus called them to change lives.

Mark 1:15 records the inspired summary of Jesus' message as He began His ministry: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” Repentance and faith go together because if you believe that Jesus is the Lord Who saves (faith), you have a changed mind about your sin and ...