Matthew 18:6

Ndebele Bible - 2010

Kodwa loba ngubani.

What Does This Mean?

In this verse from Matthew, Jesus is speaking and warns that it would be better for someone to suffer a severe punishment if they lead one of the believers astray. He emphasizes the seriousness of causing harm or leading others away from faith.

Explained for Children

Imagine if you had a friend who believed in Jesus, and you did something that made them not want to believe anymore. Jesus says it would be better for you to get a really big stone around your neck and fall into deep water than to do that. He's saying we should be very careful with how we treat our friends.

Historical Background

Matthew wrote this part of his Gospel likely between AD 80-90, aimed at Jewish Christians in the Diaspora. The cultural setting was one where religious leaders were highly respected but often criticized for their hypocrisy and self-righteousness by Jesus.

Living It Out Today

In modern times, consider a scenario where someone uses their position of influence to undermine another's faith or moral values. This could happen in schools, workplaces, or online communities where influencers have the power to sway opinions and beliefs negatively.

Topics

• faith
• sin
• punishment
• responsibility
• protection of believers
• consequences

Related Verses

• Mark 9:42
• Luke 17:2
• Jeremiah 31:25-26
• Zechariah 2:8
• Psalm 10:10

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are 'these little ones' mentioned by Jesus?

'These little ones' refers to believers, particularly those who are younger or less experienced in their faith. Jesus emphasizes the importance of protecting and nurturing these individuals.

What punishment is implied in Matthew 18:6?

The implied punishment is drowning with a millstone around one's neck, which was an extreme form of execution used to illustrate how severe it would be for someone who leads believers astray.

Why does Jesus use such strong language in this verse?

Jesus uses strong language here to emphasize the gravity of actions that harm or lead others away from faith. It underscores the importance of responsibility and care within a community of believers.

How can we apply Matthew 18:6 in our daily lives?

We can apply this verse by being mindful of how our actions might affect others' beliefs and values, especially those who are vulnerable or less experienced. It encourages us to foster an environment of support and protection for fellow believers.