Mateus 18
Leon Morris · Citado em PreceptAustin
Mateus 18
Morris - as little children. One does not receive salvation by bargaining or arguing, although the prior clearing of obstacles to faith is helpful and often necessary. In the last analysis, however, we are saved through faith--unconditional faith--like the unquestioning trust of a little child. Childlikeness, not childishness, is essential to conversion The Believer's Study Bible - Childlikeness, not childishness, is essential to conversion and hence to entrance into the kingdom of God. Children are normally characterized by simplicity, profound trustfulness, and honesty. Such qualities in a man lead him to Christ and conversion. Converted (return)(4762) strepho means to turn, to turn about. The first use is here in Mt 5:39 where a literal turning of the cheek signifies an act of non-retaliation. Jesus made several literal turns (in fact most of the literal uses in the NT describe Jesus turning), some so dramatic we can picture them in our mind (See Mt 9:22, 16:23, Lk 7:9, 44, 9:55, 10:23, 14:25, 22:61, 23:28, Jn 1:38). One writer said strepho was used in classic Greek writings for "the moral walk and inner turnings." Jesus used strepho figuratively to refer to conversion (Mt 18:3 = turning of one's heart to Jesus, the antithesis is seen in Acts 7:39!). Strepho describes Judas' return after remorse but his return was too late for conversion (Mt 27:3, cp Jn 12:40). In Acts 7:39 we read of the Jews in the OT after coming out of Egypt "in their hearts turned back to Egypt!" Strepho then describes God turning away from His rebellious people (Acts 7:42, cf Isaiah 63:10) Of Mary seeing Jesus after His resurrection (Jn 20:14, 16). Paul and Barnabas when repudiated by the Jews said "we are turning to the Gentiles" or taking the Gospel to them. In Rev 11:6 the two witnesses "have power over the waters to turn them into blood." (cf "the staff that was turned into a serpent" in Ex 7:15) Strepho - 21v - Matt. 5:39; 7:6; 9:22; 16:23; 18:3; 27:3; Lk. 7:9,44; 9:55; 10:23; 14:25; 22:61; 23:28; Jn. 1:38; 12:40; 20:14,16; Acts 7:39,42; 13:46; Rev. 11:6 H A
Mateus 18
Morris - Any person who tries to undermine the faith of young believers, or seeks to lead a child into sin or unbelief is in grave trouble (ED: PERHAPS MORRIS MEANT THAT TO BE A PUN!). "Woe to that man!" (Matthew 18:7). EXAMPLES OF WAYS BELIEVERS MIGHT CAUSE OTHER BELIEVERS TO STUMBLE: 1. Tempting Someone to Sin: Encouraging or pressuring a fellow Christian to engage in behaviors that go against their conscience or biblical principles, such as drinking alcohol with someone who struggles with past addiction or watching inappropriate content with someone who is trying to guard their purity or even suggesting dishonest actions, such as cheating on taxes or lying. 2. Exercising Christian Freedom Without Consideration - Participating in activities that may be permissible for you but harmful for another believer’s conscience or faith, such as eating food offered to idols (in Paul’s context, 1 Corinthians 8:9-13). Insisting on personal preferences (e.g., certain styles of music, entertainment) in ways that cause others discomfort or confusion. Failing to consider the spiritual maturity of those around you when exercising your freedoms. 3. Hypocrisy or Poor Example - Living in a way that contradicts your profession of faith, which can confuse or disillusion other Christians, especially newer or younger believers. Being dishonest in business dealings (of course these might only be nominal Christians) while claiming to follow Christ. Gossiping or slandering others openly. 4. Harsh Judgment or Legalism - Imposing strict, extra-biblical rules on someone and making them feel condemned or inadequate in their faith. Criticizing someone for not following your traditions or cultural norms (e.g., dress codes, worship styles). Judging someone for areas of freedom where the Bible allows individual conscience (Romans 14:1-3). 5. Discouraging Someone’s Faith - Using words or actions that diminish someone’s enthusiasm for Christ or discourage their spiritual growth. Mocking or dismissing someone’s spiritual goals or efforts ("You are being a bit too radical giving out Christian tracts to everyone you meet!") Failing to support or encourage a struggling believer when they confide in you (and even feeling superior because of their weakness). Overloading a new believer with expectations, making faith feel like a burden rather than a joy ("You need to spend 1 hour in Quiet Time every morning"). 6. False Teaching or Misleading Doctrine - Teaching or promoting ideas that are inconsistent with Scripture, leading others astray. Preaching a prosperity gospel that distorts biblical truth such as the "health and wealth gospel" (Woe to those preachers who are rich now! They will rue the day they preached a false gospel). Promoting self-help philosophies that diminish reliance on the sufficiency of Christ and His Word. Even willfully misinterpreting Scripture to justify your sin ("Well that was only applicable to those in the Old Testament"). 7. Fostering Division - Creating or perpetuating division within the church or Christian community, one of the most effective (and sinful) ways being by spreading gossip or stirring up disputes over non-essential matters ("We need a beige carpet not a red carpet in the sanctuary!" This one has caused churches to split!) Aligning with factions or cliques that exclude others (You've never seen this in churches have you?!!). Disrespecting church leadership in a way that undermines unity, constantly manifesting a critical spirit attitude. 8. Failing to Forgive - Refusing to extend forgiveness to someone, which can lead to bitterness and a stumbling block for others and last for years, even decades! Holding grudges openly, discouraging others from seeking reconciliation. Setting an example of resentment instead of restoration! 9. Materialism or Worldliness - Encouraging others to prioritize worldly success or possessions over spiritual growth. Boasting about wealth or material achievements in a way that stirs envy or misplaced priorities. Modeling a life that emphasizes materialism over spiritual contentment. 10. Insensitivity to the Weaker Believer: Acting without regard for the spiritual struggles or sensitivities of others. Speaking flippantly about sensitive topics like suffering or sin. Making jokes or comments that trivialize someone’s convictions or struggles. QUESTION - Who are the “little ones” in Matthew 18:6? ANSWER - In Matthew 18:6, Jesus issues a stern warning to those who cause others to sin: “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” (see also Mark 9:42 and Luke 17:1–2). The “little ones” are true disciples of Jesus, whether young or old, who are identified by their childlike trust in God. This interpretation is substantiated by the immediate and wider context of the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 18 begins with the disciples asking, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” (Matthew 18:1). After placing a child among them (verse 2), Jesus answers, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me” (verses 3–4). Jesus used the child as a visual aid to illustrate His point about humility and faith. So, the text is not necessarily about children, although it could be. Instead, it is about becoming like children and entering the kingdom of heaven. It is about being a true disciple of Jesus. The wider context also substantiates this interpretation. In Matthew 10:42, Jesus says, “If anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.” True disciples show kindness and hospitality to one another (cf. Galatians 6:10), even in small ways such as offering a cup of cold water. This act of kindness may seem insignificant, but Jesus promises that it will not go unnoticed or unrewarded. Just as there are positive rewards for whoever shows kindness and hospitality to other disciples, there are also grave consequences for whoever causes one of these little ones—those who believe in Christ—to stumble. The punishment is severe and graphic. Jesus says that it would be better for that person to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. A millstone is a large, heavy, circular stone that was used in ancient times to grind grain into flour. The milling process used two stones: a bed stone and a runner stone. The bed (or base) stone remained stationary, while the runner (or top) stone was turned by an animal, such as an ox or donkey, walking in a circle around the lower stone. The image of someone sinking to the bottom of the sea with a millstone around his neck is a call to take this warning seriously. If we lead others astray and cause them to sin, we do great harm to them and to ourselves. Jesus promises that such an offense will not go unnoticed or unpunished. In fact, the punishment would be so terrible that it would be better to drown in the sea than to face it. As Christians, we should be mindful of how our actions impact others, especially those who are in the household of God. It is our responsibility to be a positive influence in their lives, helping them to grow spiritually and avoid anything that could cause them to sin. If we do cause others to sin, we should confess our wrongdoing and seek forgiveness, both from God and the ones we wronged. In doing so, we demonstrate that we are true disciples of Jesus (John 13:35). The Weight of a Millstone (Inspired by Matthew 18:6) Woe to the one who casts the snare, To stumble the child with faith laid bare. A soul so tender, a heart so pure, Such faith as theirs will long endure. But cursed be hands that weave deceit, That cause these little ones' defeat. For better to sink in the ocean's deep, Than the trust of a child to lose or sweep. A millstone heavy, bound to the neck, Dragged to the depths where light won’t reflect. Such is the fate of hearts so cruel, Who scorn the innocent, break the rule. Oh, guard the child, their faith so small, Protect the ones who to Jesus call. For in their eyes, His kingdom shines, Through humble hearts, His love aligns. So heed this warning, sharp and stern, Let kindness guide at every turn. For in the hearts of the meek and mild, Resides the face of God’s own child. UNINTENTIONAL PARENTING MATTHEW 18:6; EPHESIANS 6:4 It happened during one of those Rockwellian moments: a grandmother making cookies with her seven-year-old granddaughter. The kind of moment a grandmother wraps around her like a handmade shawl, to keep her warm months later, when the smell of Snickerdoodles no longer fills the kitchen, and the child has returned to another time zone. The little girl, the grandmother noticed, was engrossed in the flour. She had a knife and, with the intensity of a sculptor—a sculptor whose little tongue suggested she was deep in concentration—carefully shaped the fine powder into a pattern of neat, narrow lines. How cute, the woman remembers thinking. Then the little girl looked up at her. “Look, Grandma,” she said, “this is how Mom and Gary cut their cocaine!” Citation: Bob Welch, Where Roots Grow Deep (Harvest House, 1999), p. 118 MATTHEW 18:6 God's Word for Today: A Daily Devotional for the Whole Year - Page 78 I doubt that Jesus at any other time ever spoke such sharp words as those we read just now. It is our responsibility toward children that Jesus would impress upon us. He says that it would be better for a person to be put to death than to cause a child to stumble. These words apply to all of us. Not only to fathers and mothers, but to sisters and brothers, companions and servants. Oh, that they might pierce us all to the very marrow and make us all feel our responsibility to the little folk! Be careful lest you entice little ones into sin! Be careful lest your life entice little ones into sin! But our passage today applies especially to fathers and mothers. No one can help a child as can its father and mother. But neither can any one lead it astray as can they. We think of the many parents who never tell their children about Jesus, never teach them to fold their little hands in prayer; who never send them to Sunday school, but instead perhaps withhold permission even when the children themselves desire to go. From the time some children are small they hear father and mother curse and take the name of the Lord in vain. Yes, they even hear them lie and use foul language. And if the children are awakened by the grace of God from the life in sin into which they have been led by their parents, they often encounter opposition and persecution in their own home. You father and mother, you who are living without God, hear the earnest words which Jesus speaks to you this day! You are ruining not only your own soul, but also the souls of the children whom you love, are you not? Remember the words of Jesus about the millstone. And be saved today! Adrian Rogers (Exodus Sermons page 330) - I used to hear Dr. Lee talk about his wrath against those theological professors who would break into the house of faith of some young student and with reason’s scissors clip faith’s wings. I say amen to that. Jesus said, “If you cause someone to stumble—one of these little ones that believe in me—it would be better for you if a millstone were hanged about your neck and you were cast into the deep of the sea” (Matthew 18:6). This is God’s warning against false prophets; this is God’s warning against liberals; this is God’s warning against modernists; and this is God’s warning against those who do not believe that the Bible is the inerrant, inspired, infallible Word of God, like a fire and like a hammer (Jeremiah 23:19). It’s thievery to steal away faith out of someone’s heart. God said, “I’m against those prophets” (Jeremiah 23:30). And there’s going to be a lot of moaning and groaning at the judgment, when some of these liberals who have destroyed the faith of young people in college come. And they have transgressed the commandment that says, “Thou shalt not steal” (Exodus 20:15). “They steal away my words”—steal God’s Word—“every one from his neighbour” (Jeremiah 23:30). There’s the theft of faith. Hume was a great rationalist—the humanist. His mother was a Bible-believing Christian, but he was so witty, he was so clever, he was so intelligent, and he was so logical, that he could argue against her faith. And day after day after day after day, he argued with his mother. He belittled her, he cut her down, and he whittled away at her faith until finally he had stolen the Word of God out of her heart. At last, when his mother came to die, he tried to comfort his mother. Can you imagine a humanist—an infidel, an agnostic—trying to comfort someone in the hour of death? He said to his mother, “Mother, hold on.” She looked at him with agony and said, “Son, there’s nothing to hold on to. You’ve taken away my faith.” Those who “steal my words” (Jeremiah 23:30). There is the theft—the theft, the robbery—of one man against another. Daily Light on the Daily Path - So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. Abstain from every form of evil.—We aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord’s sight but also in the sight of man.—For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.—But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.—“But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.”—“As you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” Rom. 14:16; 1 Thess. 5:22; 2 Cor. 8:21; 1 Pet. 2:15; 1 Pet. 4:15–16; Gal. 5:13; 1 Cor. 8:9; Matt. 18:6; Matt. 25:40 The Child Witnesses Before the Throne - Windows for Sermons: A Study of the Art of Sermonic ... - Page 286 The editor of the New York Journal has set forth with tremendous realism Christ’s teaching concerning God’s love for the children, and the power of that teaching over human life for more than eighteen hundred years. He calls attention to the fact that Jesus made no threats so terrifying as those aimed at men who should harm little children—“it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” (Matthew 18:6.) It is impossible now to conceive the horrid indifference to childhood’s rights which preceded the birth of Christianity. Infanticide was not the exception, but a settled custom; so much so that in Rome the “exposure” of children in desert places was almost a virtue, since it gave the child some slight chance of surviving. Not a few, but thousands and tens of thousands of children were thus “exposed.” They fell a prey to wild beasts or to men still more ferocious, who took the children to make slaves or criminals of them. Jesus came, and a miracle was wrought—a miracle that no man will deny. This was the miracle: Jesus said, “For I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.” Jesus spoke, and thousands of millions of men through nineteen centuries have believed and obeyed the command. Every man was warned that the child dying goes straightway into the presence of God, and there, looking upon his face, bears witness of the treatment meted out to him here. Well might it be said of the man who mistreated such a child: “It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” Playing Around With Sin - Newell Hillis What happens to our Christian friends when we play around with sin? Why should we care about how our actions impact others? Two reasons: • Often our sin deeply hurts our Christian brothers and sisters: “If one member suffers, all the members suffer with it …” (1 Corinthians 12:26a) • We incur the judgment of God if we cause the least among us to stumble: “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it is better for him that a heavy millstone be hung around his neck, and that he be drowned in the depths of the sea.” (Matthew 18:6) Following, are excerpts from a letter I received today from a close friend who is lamenting over the sin of a fallen brother: “Where my real grief lies is with Sam and his family. Mary and I have been experiencing severe buffeting due to the consequences associated with (Sam’s sin) … “Dwight, never before have I ever in my life convulsed due to the sin committed by a friend … it made me wretch … How much more so for a pure and holy God … “Be careful how you walk, Dwight, for the days are full of evil and Satan continues to roam about looking for guys like you and me … “After seeing Sam’s world come apart in the midst of the absence of accountability to anyone … it serves as a terrifying reminder of just how close we all are (to sinning) at any given time.” Like it or not, our actions do profoundly affect the lives of those around us. Not to mention the account to which God will call us, should we by our actions cause others to stumble. Charles Stanley - A TOOL OF THE TEMPTER Matthew 18:6–14 KEY VERSE:Matthew 18:6 Enter His Gates: A Daily Journey into the Master's Presence - Page 150 Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea. No one likes to feel used by another person. Yet when we cause other believers to stumble in their Christian walk, we have unwittingly become tools of the tempter. When we spread gossip in the office, dress immodestly, speak coarsely, or allow questionable television programs in our homes, we can be the tempter’s agents. Suppose you were asked: “Do you want to be used by Satan?” Surely your answer would be an adamant “No!” Our wily adversary, however, has no qualms about using our sins and wayward habits to delude and deceive other Christians. While each of us is responsible for the response to temptation, we can avoid any compliance with the deceiver’s tactics as we understand a crucial truth: each Christian is part of Christ’s body. Our actions are never in isolation. For good or evil, our behavior affects the health and vitality of other believers. Therefore, it is for your well–being as well as the rest of the body of Christ that you live obediently. God desires that you be a blessing to others, not a curse. Let your love for believers keep you and them from temptation. Heavenly Father, as part of the body of Christ, I realize my actions are not in isolation. Let me be a blessing and not a curse to others. Don’t let me lead others into temptation. Oswald Chambers - John 10:27–28 HAVE YOU EVER SEEN GOD give someone a tremendous blow for molesting one of His children? Woe to the person who touches or troubles the children of God—the apple of His eye. Over and over again, the first disciples of Jesus made that blunder. Remember Peter? He once said, “Jesus, what shall this man do?” Jesus told Peter, in effect, “Mind your own business” (John 21:22). Martha said, “I am serving You, Jesus. Make Mary come and help me in the work.” Jesus replied, “Martha, Mary has chosen the better way. She has taken orders from Me” (Luke 10:41–42). We are not to touch God’s obedient child. If anyone were to abuse a child of God, Jesus said, “It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea” (Matthew 18:6). God blights the hypocrites who pretend to be virtuous and pious, for the purpose of winning favor for themselves, as they correct and chastise other Christians. Remember, God will condemn everyone who dares to say anything against His children. Confession Without Guilt MATTHEW 18:6 - Valerie Hess I know of non-Christian adults who shamed their children into stopping their activities at the local church’s youth group. I fear for them when I read this verse. But before I can become too smug in thinking I am not condemned here, I have to ask myself: Where have I increased the guilt load for my children? Where have I shamed them instead of correcting them? Where have I held up past sins in front of them long after the issue was supposedly forgiven and resolved? Have I weakened their relationship with Jesus because of these actions and attitudes? The above verse needs to make us adults stop and think carefully about how we interact with children in general. When we heap guilt upon others, young and old alike, we reinforce a wrong concept of God, one that might take people years to get over—assuming they even want to remain in relationship with a God they think is condemning. We all have a tremendous responsibility to avoid being a stumbling block to someone else’s growing relationship with God. Using guilt to get back at someone who has hurt you is a major stumbling block. Matthew 18:6 Jesus sharply rebuked His disciples when they tried to stop parents from bringing their children to Him: “He was greatly displeased and said to them, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.’… And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them” (Mark 10:14, 16). Their value to the Lord is great! According to the psalmist, children are a heritage from the Lord (Ps. 127:3). Scripture repeatedly reminds parents to love, teach, discipline, and protect their children (Eph. 6:4; Deut. 6:6, 7; Prov. 13:24; Heb. 12:11). This warning to those who would cause a child to sin is severe, but it is a reminder of our responsibility before the Lord for our children. We as parents must guard our words and actions so that we never cause our children to stumble or sin. Rather, out of our love for them, everything that we do and say must reflect God’s love, God’s Word, and God’s ways (Deut. 6:6, 7).
Mateus 18
Morris - Woe is to be understood as an expression of regret and compassion; Jesus is not exulting in the punishment that must come, but he is making it clear that punishment will come (woe is a verdict as well as an expression of sorrow). The person who leads others to sin is storing up grievous trouble for himself. (The Gospel According To Matthew) David