This question refers to a verse in Matthew 18:6, where Jesus says,
“But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea” (NIV).
This verse can seem difficult when we compare it with Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:43-45, where He teaches us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us.
In Matthew 5:43-45, Jesus instructs us to love our enemies and pray for those who mistreat us:
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:43-44, NIV).
This teaching highlights that Christians should respond to wrongdoings with love and forgiveness, mirroring God’s grace. When we are wronged, we are not to take revenge but rather to show the same compassion that God shows to us.
However, Matthew 18:6 presents a stark contrast. Jesus is talking about causing a “little one” (a believer or a spiritually immature person) to stumble in their faith. He warns that anyone who leads such a person into sin or misguides them away from the path of righteousness faces severe consequences. The expression of a millstone being tied around someone’s neck and them being thrown into the sea symbolizes the gravity of this offense. It is a metaphor to show that the judgment for causing someone to fall into sin, especially those who are vulnerable in their faith, is extremely serious.
In this context, “little ones” refers not just to children but to anyone who is new in the faith or spiritually weak—those who are innocent and easily influenced. Leading such a person astray or hindering their spiritual growth is a serious offense in God’s eyes. The punishment described by Jesus in Matthew 18:6 signifies how severe the consequences are for anyone who becomes a stumbling block to others in their walk with God.
This warning aligns with the broader biblical teaching on the importance of protecting the faith of others, particularly those who are spiritually vulnerable. In 1 Corinthians 8:9, Paul warns about causing others to stumble:
“Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak” (NIV).
Similarly, James 3:1 speaks to those who teach, emphasizing the responsibility and the greater judgment teachers will face for leading others astray:
“Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly” (James 3:1, NIV).
Jesus’ teaching also reflects the seriousness of leading someone away from God’s truth, as seen in the story of Balaam in the Old Testament. In Numbers 25, Balaam deliberately sought to lead the Israelites into sin by advising the Moabite king to entice them into idolatry and immorality, knowing it would provoke God’s judgment. This caused Israel to fall into sin, and as a result, many were punished. This account shows how significant the impact of leading others astray can be and the serious consequences it carries in God’s economy (see Revelation 2:14 for reference).
However, the key difference in this situation is that Jesus, throughout His ministry, also calls us to forgive and show mercy to those who wrong us. As in the case of Moses interceding for the Israelites (Exodus 32:9-14), we are called to intercede for others, even when they fall short, rather than seeking vengeance. In the same way, we are encouraged to pray for our enemies (Matthew 5:44) and ask God for mercy upon those who sin against us.
God’s judgment and mercy both coexist in His nature—He is just, and He is merciful. Jesus’ words in Matthew 18:6 are a serious warning about the consequences of causing others to sin, particularly when their faith is fragile. However, this should not lead us to take matters into our own hands or seek personal vengeance. Instead, we are called to be intercessors and to pray for those who may stumble in their faith.
In conclusion, while Matthew 5 emphasizes forgiveness and love for enemies, Matthew 18:6 warns of the severe consequences for leading others away from God’s truth, particularly those who are spiritually vulnerable. We must be careful not to harm the faith of others and should strive to protect and nurture their spiritual growth. This teaching calls us to take responsibility for how our actions influence others, ensuring we build up, rather than tear down, the faith of those around us.
This revised explanation combines the different scriptural teachings while maintaining the theological depth of the original answer. It provides a logical flow of ideas and ensures clarity for readers.