God has often used this word to illustrate the kind of destruction that comes as judgment upon those who do not fear Him. Here are some of the Bible passages where the word Desolate (ruins) is used: Leviticus 26:30–32 (NIV) I will destroy your high places, cut down your incense altars and pile your dead bodies on the lifeless forms of your idols, and I will abhor you.I will turn your cities into ruins and lay waste your sanctuaries, and I will take no delight in the pleasing aroma of your offerings.I myself will lay waste the land, so that your enemies who live there will be appalled. Ezekiel 6:14 (NIV) And I will stretch out my hand against them and make the land a desolate waste from the desert to Diblah—wherever they live. Then they will know that I am the Lord. Jeremiah 51:42–43 (NIV) The sea will rise over Babylon; its roaring waves will cover her.Her towns will be desolate, a dry and desert land, a land where no one lives, through which no one travels. Jeremiah 4:7–8 (NIV) A lion has come out of his lair; a destroyer of nations has set out. He has left his place to lay waste your land. Your towns will lie in ruins without inhabitant.So put on sackcloth, lament and wail, for the fierce anger of the Lord has not turned away from us. (See also Ezekiel 12:20; Ezekiel 29:12; Amos 9:14) Even today, this world will one day be reduced to Desolate (ruins). No matter how advanced civilization becomes, or how beautiful cities are built, everything will one day be destroyed. The Lord Jesus Himself said that not one stone would be left on another (Matthew 24:2). Everything we see today will be dismantled and consumed by fire when the Day of the Lord comes—just as the flood in Noah’s time cleansed the first world. 2 Peter 3:10–12 (NIV) But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly livesas you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. The important question for us is this: Where are you and I investing our lives? Is it in this temporary world, or in heaven? Remember, life on earth is short and fleeting, but eternal life awaits us beyond this world. God’s plan to turn this world into ruins is not because creation itself is bad, but because humanity has corrupted it through sin. Therefore, it must be destroyed and renewed. That is why we must not share in God’s wrath. Instead, we must embrace the salvation offered through Christ. Remember—the Rapture is near. We should not be surprised if these things begin to unfold even in our own generation. Shalom.
Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the only true God, who came down in human flesh to redeem us (John 1:14; 1 Timothy 3:16). There are certain things Jesus did during His earthly ministry that may seem unexpected to us. While it’s true that He came to seek and to save the lost (Luke 19:10), He did not make salvation superficial or automatic. He made it available, but He also made it clear that the path is narrow and must be sought with sincerity (Matthew 7:13–14). Jesus Didn’t Reveal Truths to Everyone Equally Unlike what many assume today, Jesus wasn’t impressed by crowds. A large number of people followed Him wherever He went—some seeking healing, others out of curiosity, and some for miracles. But Jesus didn’t equate popularity with genuine discipleship. He didn’t reveal the deep truths of God’s kingdom to just anyone in the crowd. Instead, He often taught in parables—simple stories that contained deeper spiritual meaning. These weren’t meant to entertain but to filter. They required spiritual hunger and humility to understand. Without that, a person might hear the story, enjoy it, and leave unchanged. “And when He was alone, those around Him with the twelve asked Him about the parables. And He said to them, ‘To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside everything is in parables, so that “‘they may indeed see but not perceive, and may indeed hear but not understand, lest they should turn and be forgiven.’”—Mark 4:10–12 (ESV) Jesus quoted from Isaiah 6:9–10 to show that many people’s hearts were hardened—they could hear His words but remain blind to their true meaning because they lacked repentance. Salvation Requires a Sincere Heart Jesus doesn’t just save people who listen; He saves those who earnestly seek Him and truly want to understand and obey Him. “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.”—Jeremiah 29:13 (ESV) This is why Jesus often spoke indirectly. His goal was not just to inform but to transform—and only those who truly desired to know Him would take the time to ask questions and seek deeper meaning. This explains why, after teaching the crowd in parables, He would later explain their meaning privately to His disciples (Matthew 13:10–11). Many Followed Jesus for the Wrong Reasons In Jesus’ day, many who followed Him were merely observers. Some came for miracles (John 6:26), others out of curiosity or skepticism, and others were even spies (Luke 20:20). Few actually followed Him to know Him and receive the truth that leads to eternal life (John 17:3). Today, the same problem exists. Churches are full, and many claim to seek God. But unless a person is personally committed to following Jesus—learning from Him, obeying His Word, and surrendering their life—salvation will remain a concept, not a reality. “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”—Matthew 7:21 (ESV) Why Salvation Feels Powerless for Some People Some people claim to be saved but continue to live in bondage to sin—sexual immorality, drunkenness, pride, and ignorance of God’s will. They may have attended church for years but still don’t know God’s redemptive plan, such as the Rapture, or even recognize that we are living in the final church age—the church of Laodicea (Revelation 3:14–22). They might say, “I know Jesus,” but the evidence is missing from their lives. Even in Jesus’ day, people saw Him, heard Him, and ate with Him—but very few understood His true identity or mission. Only those who sought Him personally had the truths of the kingdom revealed to them (John 6:66–69). Jesus Is Calling for Real Discipleship Jesus is still seeking true disciples—not casual listeners or spiritual consumers. He calls each of us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him wholeheartedly: “Then Jesus told His disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?’”—Matthew 16:24–26 (ESV) If we are not serious about following Christ, then, like the crowds, we will hear His words only as parables—interesting but confusing stories with no personal impact. Let this be a time of awakening. Let us not remain lukewarm (Revelation 3:15–16). Let us seek Jesus personally, diligently, and with all our hearts. That is how we will receive the true salvation He offers. Maranatha—The Lord is coming. Please share this message with others.For prayer, fellowship, or spiritual counseling, contact:📞 +255693036618 or +255789001312 Would you like this formatted into a printable or shareable document?
Let’s read the passage in context: 2 Peter 2:12–13 (NKJV)“But these, like natural brute beasts made to be caught and destroyed, speak evil of the things they do not understand, and will utterly perish in their own corruption, and will receive the wages of unrighteousness, as those who count it pleasure to carouse in the daytime. They are spots and blemishes, carousing in their own deceptions while they feast with you.” In this passage, the apostle Peter is warning about corrupt individuals—false teachers and immoral people—whose behavior resembles that of the wicked inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah (2 Peter 2:6–10). He compares them to irrational animals, driven by instinct rather than reason, who will ultimately be destroyed. One of the most telling signs of their moral decay is this: they consider it pleasurable to indulge in drunkenness and wild partying even in broad daylight. What’s the significance of this phrase? Typically, indulgence in debauchery—such as drunkenness, lust, and reckless partying—occurs under the cover of night. It’s in darkness that sin often seeks to hide, as even sinners feel some sense of shame. The apostle Paul alludes to this in: 1 Thessalonians 5:7 (NKJV)“For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night.” But Peter points out that these individuals have become so morally perverse that they no longer feel the need to hide their sin. They openly flaunt it, drinking and partying during the day as if there’s nothing shameful about it. This kind of behavior represents a complete loss of restraint—a hardened conscience that delights in evil without fear or shame. This is echoed in the account of Pentecost. When the Holy Spirit descended and filled the apostles, some bystanders mocked them, accusing them of being drunk. Peter responded: Acts 2:15 (NKJV)“For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day [about 9 a.m.].” Peter’s point was that no one in their right mind gets drunk so early in the day. It was culturally and morally unacceptable. Therefore, when someone does choose to live this way, it shows they have abandoned all moral sensitivity. Modern Parallel:This kind of moral collapse is increasingly evident today. What once was done in darkness is now publicly celebrated. Perversion, violence, and sin are broadcast on television, spread through social media, normalized in music and movies, and even celebrated in public events. Just like in Sodom, people today flaunt sin without shame. Jesus warned about the days of Noah and Lot as being reflective of the days just before His return: Luke 17:28–30 (NKJV)“Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot: They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all. Even so will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed.” A Call to Holiness and Watchfulness:This is not the time to compromise our faith or become numb to the immorality around us. Just as Lot was tormented in his soul by the lawless deeds he saw in Sodom (2 Peter 2:7–8), we too must remain spiritually alert and separate ourselves from the corruption of the world. The apostle Peter continues in: 2 Peter 3:10–12 (NKJV)“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God…” Conclusion: The phrase “they count it pleasure to carouse in the daytime” is a sobering warning. It reveals the depth of depravity humanity can fall into when God is removed from the picture. But it is also a call for believers to live differently—to shine as lights in a dark world, to walk in holiness, and to eagerly await the return of Jesus Christ. Are you ready for His return?If the trumpet sounded today, would you be found in Him? Salvation is freely offered, but the time is short. Let us watch, pray, and walk in righteousness. Maranatha — The Lord is coming!
Isaiah 10:22 (ESV) “For though your people Israel be as the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will return. Destruction is decreed, overflowing with righteousness.” In the past, when Israel was taken into captivity—whether in Egypt or Babylon—the people assumed that returning to their land would always follow the same pattern: a mighty deliverance through a chosen prophet like Moses. They expected that God would again miraculously intervene, restore the entire nation, and bring them back home in full. But God’s plan changed. Through His prophets, He warned them that future restorations would not mirror the past. He patiently called them to repentance, urging them to abandon their wicked ways. Yet they refused. Instead of listening to the warnings, they persecuted the messengers—some were beaten, others killed (cf. 2 Chronicles 36:15–16, Matthew 23:37). Eventually, judgment came. The ten northern tribes of Israel were exiled by Assyria (2 Kings 17), and to this day, they have not returned. They assimilated into the nations and disappeared from the historical record—known commonly as the “Lost Tribes of Israel.” Later, the southern kingdom of Judah was taken captive to Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar (2 Kings 25). Even though Judah was numerous, only a small remnant returned after 70 years (Ezra 1–2). This remnant was preserved not because of their righteousness but because of God’s mercy—to maintain the lineage leading to the Messiah. As the apostle Paul writes: Romans 9:27–29 (ESV) “And Isaiah cries out concerning Israel: ‘Though the number of the sons of Israel be as the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will be saved, for the Lord will carry out His sentence upon the earth fully and without delay.’ And as Isaiah predicted, ‘If the Lord of hosts had not left us offspring, we would have been like Sodom and become like Gomorrah.’” This story is not just history—it’s prophecy in pattern. Paul, quoting Isaiah, applies these Old Testament realities to the New Covenant Church. The physical nation of Israel prefigures the spiritual people of God—those who are in Christ. What happened to them is meant to serve as a warning for us. 1 Corinthians 10:11 (ESV) “Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come.” When Israel fell into idolatry and spiritual corruption, their judgment came swiftly. Likewise, Jesus and His apostles foretold a great falling away within the Church before the end (cf. Matthew 24:10–12, 2 Thessalonians 2:3). The enemy has sown tares (false believers) among the wheat, and until the final harvest, the two will grow side by side (Matthew 13:24–30). Today, the number of professing Christians worldwide is over three billion—more than the physical Israelites ever were. But as in ancient times, numbers are not the measure of faithfulness. Among this vast multitude, only a small remnant is truly faithful to Christ. Luke 12:32 (ESV) “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Jesus described His Church not as a mighty multitude but as a little flock. Many are called, but few are chosen (Matthew 22:14). The present age is not a time for complacency but for self-examination and repentance. The pull of the world is stronger than ever, and the passion many had at first is growing cold. Returning to the Lord today—renewing our first love, walking in holiness, rejecting sin—is far more challenging now than when we first believed. The spiritual environment has become more polluted, the Church more compromised, and distractions more intense. It is only by the grace and power of God that anyone can stand. We must be among the faithful remnant. The Lord is calling His people to forsake sin, turn fully to Him, and keep their eyes fixed on eternity. Because the return of Christ is near. At any moment, the event of the Rapture could occur—the sudden catching away of the true Church (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17). For some, it will be a day of joy and reunion. For others, a day of unspeakable regret. Matthew 24:40–42 (ESV) “Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left. Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.” May the Lord help us remain watchful, faithful, and ready.
Matthew 5:19 (ESV):“Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” If Jesus mentioned “least commandments,” then surely there must also be “greater commandments.” So what did He mean by these “least” ones? ANSWER: Understanding the Context of Matthew 5:19 To understand what Jesus meant by “the least of these commandments,” we must consider the context, particularly Matthew 5:17, where He says: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” (Matthew 5:17, ESV) Here, Jesus affirms that the Law (Torah) still holds authority. He wasn’t introducing a new set of rules, as some Pharisees might have claimed, but was bringing the Law to its full and intended meaning—showing its true spiritual depth. The scribes and Pharisees (Jewish religious leaders of the day) often classified commandments into categories: major and minor, or weighty and light (cf. Matthew 23:23). They tended to focus on outward observance while neglecting inward righteousness. But Jesus emphasized that even the commandments they considered small or insignificant had eternal value. Examples of “Least” Commandments (as perceived by men, but affirmed by Jesus): Jesus proceeds in Matthew 5 to reinterpret (or rather, clarify) the Law. He deepens its meaning by showing that sin begins not just with action, but in the heart: Murder begins with anger (Matthew 5:21–22):“You have heard that it was said… ‘You shall not murder’… But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment…”To the Pharisees, refraining from actual murder was enough. But Jesus says even harboring hatred makes one guilty. Adultery begins with lust (Matthew 5:27–28):“You have heard… ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery…”Thus, Jesus includes hidden sins of the heart, which many considered minor or irrelevant. Keeping your word is more than just avoiding false oaths (Matthew 5:33–37):“Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.” Turning the other cheek (Matthew 5:38–39):“You have heard… ‘An eye for an eye…’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil.”Jesus calls for radical humility and non-retaliation, which can feel “less important” than justice, but in the Kingdom they are weighty. Love your enemies (Matthew 5:43–44):“You have heard… ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”This teaching goes beyond human instinct—and many neglect or minimize it. Why Does This Matter? These “least commandments” are not small in God’s eyes. Jesus is teaching that obedience in even the smallest area of God’s will matters greatly in the Kingdom. Many believers today, like the Pharisees of old, may ignore these inner, relational, or moral commands because they seem less urgent than the “big sins.” But Jesus says obedience is not to be selective. He continues in Matthew 5:20: “For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” This means: if your faith is only outward—rule-following without heart transformation—you are missing the Kingdom altogether. What About the “Greatest” Commandments? Jesus also acknowledged that some commandments carry foundational importance. When asked about the greatest commandment, He replied: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart… This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”(Matthew 22:37–40, ESV) These are the summary of the entire Law. But loving God and neighbor isn’t only about big gestures—it includes the “small” acts of purity, integrity, forgiveness, mercy, and humility that Jesus emphasized. Conclusion: The “least commandments” are not lesser in importance, but often overlooked because they demand inward transformation. These include teachings such as: Controlling our thoughts and emotions Forgiving others Speaking truthfully Avoiding revenge Loving enemies To be “great” in God’s Kingdom, we must both do and teach these commandments—even the ones that seem small to the world. Obedience to Jesus’ full teaching is the mark of true discipleship (John 14:15, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments”). Shalom.
Why Does This Matter? These “least commandments” are not small in God’s eyes. Jesus is teaching that obedience in even the smallest area of God’s will matters greatly in the Kingdom. Many believers today, like the Pharisees of old, may ignore these inner, relational, or moral commands because they seem less urgent than the “big sins.” But Jesus says obedience is not to be selective. He continues in Matthew 5:20: “For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” This means: if your faith is only outward—rule-following without heart transformation—you are missing the Kingdom altogether. What About the “Greatest” Commandments? Jesus also acknowledged that some commandments carry foundational importance. When asked about the greatest commandment, He replied: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart… This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”(Matthew 22:37–40, ESV) These are the summary of the entire Law. But loving God and neighbor isn’t only about big gestures—it includes the “small” acts of purity, integrity, forgiveness, mercy, and humility that Jesus emphasized. Conclusion: The “least commandments” are not lesser in importance, but often overlooked because they demand inward transformation. These include teachings such as: Controlling our thoughts and emotions Forgiving others Speaking truthfully Avoiding revenge Loving enemies To be “great” in God’s Kingdom, we must both do and teach these commandments—even the ones that seem small to the world. Obedience to Jesus’ full teaching is the mark of true discipleship (John 14:15, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments”). Shalom.
Shalom!Welcome to this reflection on the words of life. The Bible teaches us an important principle about spiritual maturity using a symbol we often overlook: grey hair. 1. Grey Hair as a Symbol of Honor and Righteousness Proverbs 16:31 (ESV) says:“Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.” In the physical realm, grey hair is often associated with age, wisdom, and honor. In Scripture, it becomes a spiritual metaphor for maturity and glory attained through a life lived in righteousness. Just as one does not instantly grow grey hair but accumulates it over time, spiritual growth is also a process—not a one-time confession. Unfortunately, many people treat salvation as a one-time event: they confess Christ, get baptized, and then simply wait to go to heaven. They postpone growth, thinking, “I’ll serve God when I’m older,” or “once I’ve achieved my life goals.” But such attitudes rob us of rich opportunities to grow in grace and in intimacy with God. 2. Spiritual Growth Mirrors Physical Growth Physical life unfolds in stages—infancy, youth, adulthood, and old age. So it is with the spiritual life. We begin as spiritual infants (1 Peter 2:2), grow into maturity (Ephesians 4:13–15), and are expected to press on toward full spiritual adulthood. 1 Corinthians 13:11 (ESV) says:“When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.” Just as we would be concerned if an adult acted like a child, God is concerned when we remain spiritually immature year after year. Growth is not optional—it is the evidence of a living, vibrant relationship with Christ. 3. God Honors the Spiritually Mature In the Old Testament, God commands honor toward the elderly not just for their age, but for the wisdom and dignity accumulated over time. Leviticus 19:32 (ESV):“You shall stand up before the gray head and honor the face of an old man, and you shall fear your God: I am the Lord.” This principle extends into the spiritual realm. Spiritual elders—those who have walked faithfully with God for years—are to be honored. Their spiritual “grey hairs” are not literal but are seen in their faithfulness, perseverance, humility, and fruitfulness. 4. The 24 Elders in Heaven: A Picture of Spiritual Maturity In Revelation, we’re introduced to twenty-four elders who sit around God’s throne. These are heavenly beings who represent maturity, honor, and closeness to God. Revelation 4:4 (ESV):“Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones were twenty-four elders, clothed in white garments, with golden crowns on their heads.” Their appearance as elders is significant. Why not young people or children? Because these elders symbolize deep spiritual maturity—those who have lived lives of worship, endurance, and complete devotion to God. Even Christ is described in the language of age and wisdom in His glorified state: Revelation 1:14 (ESV):“The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire.” The whiteness of His hair reveals His eternal wisdom and divine authority. Jesus, the Ancient of Days, models the kind of spiritual maturity we are called to pursue. 5. Why Spiritual Grey Hairs Matter The sobering reality is that not all believers mature spiritually. Some remain spiritual infants for decades. They attend services, hear sermons, but never grow in obedience, character, or service. When asked what they’ve done for the Kingdom, they have nothing to show—not because they couldn’t, but because they wouldn’t. Salvation is more than a status—it’s a journey. Every day, our actions, prayers, sacrifices, and obedience are shaping our eternal inheritance. 2 Peter 1:10–11 (ESV):“Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Not everyone will have the same experience in eternity. While all the redeemed are saved by grace, rewards and responsibilities in heaven differ based on our faithfulness (see 1 Corinthians 3:12–15). 6. Let Us Be Recognized in Heaven by Our Spiritual Grey Hairs Let this be your resolve: when you enter eternity, may you be recognized not as a spiritual infant, but as one crowned with spiritual grey hairs—one who walked with God, served Him faithfully, grew in love, truth, and holiness. Do not waste your earthly life pursuing only what is temporary. Invest in your spiritual walk. Serve Christ now. Grow in grace. Bear fruit. Because heaven will recognize those who lived well—not just those who believed. Philippians 3:12–14 (ESV):“Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own… I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Let us desire, from this moment on, to draw closer to God daily—so that when we stand before Him, the weight of our walk with Him will be evident—not by physical appearance, but by the glory of our spiritual maturity. Maranatha – the Lord is coming.
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.