Wenn aber deine Hand oder dein Fuß für dich ein Anstoß zur Sünde wird, so haue sie ab und wirf sie von dir! Es ist besser für dich, daß du lahm oder verstümmelt in das Leben eingehest, als daß du zwei Hände oder zwei Füße habest und in das ewige Feuer geworfen werdest.
Was bedeutet das?
In Matthew 18:8, Jesus says that if something you do causes you to sin, it's better to give it up than to keep doing it and go to hell. He uses extreme examples like cutting off a hand or foot to show how serious he is about avoiding sin.
Für Kinder erklärt
Imagine if you had a toy that made you want to be mean to your friends every time you played with it. Jesus says it's better to get rid of the toy and play without it than to keep playing with it and end up being very, very sad forever because of how you acted.
Historischer Hintergrund
This verse is part of Matthew's Gospel, written around 80-90 AD for a Jewish-Christian audience. Jesus teaches his disciples about dealing with sin and the seriousness of choosing eternal life over earthly pleasures.
Anwendung für heute
Today, if something in your daily life—like social media or certain friends—is causing you to make bad choices, it might be better to distance yourself from these things rather than risk losing your faith and heading towards a negative path.
Themen
sineternal lifesacrificesalvationdiscipleshipavoidance of evil
Is Jesus literally telling us to cut off our hands or feet?
No, Jesus is using hyperbole (exaggeration) to emphasize how serious it is to avoid sin. He's not suggesting actual self-mutilation but a strong commitment to righteousness.
What kind of things should we 'cut off' in our lives?
We should remove habits, relationships, or activities that lead us into sinful behavior, just as Jesus suggests giving up parts of ourselves that cause harm, though not literally cutting them off.
Why does Matthew 18:8 talk about eternal fire?
Eternal fire symbolizes the punishment for those who choose to continue in sin instead of accepting God's grace. It contrasts with entering life (heaven), emphasizing the importance of avoiding sin.
How can we practically apply this verse today?
We can identify areas in our lives that lead us astray and make changes, like limiting time on social media or distancing from harmful relationships, to ensure we stay true to God's path.