Scandalous

Today’s Bible Reading:  1 Chronicles 14-15; Psalm 132; Matthew 18

Topic: Sin

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew 18:7

Jesus taught…

“Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to sin! Such things must come, but woe to the man through whom they come!” (Matt 18:7 NIV)

OBSERVATION:

In this passage Jesus is pointing out that the world is replete with snares, traps and enticements (Greek: scandalon) meant to draw people into sin and away from God. (Our English word scandal is a derivative of scandalon). Jesus says, “woe to the world” because of such; but then a double warning and an emphasized second “woe” is pronounced against any person who actually sets those traps or lures others, especially children, to become ensnared in sin (see v.6).

APPLICATION:

Although Jesus recognizes that “such things must come,” we must recognize that his acknowledgment of the fact should not be interpreted that sin and the things that draw people into sin are meant to be. Rather, it is a stern warning to beware of and avoid such entrapments which are all too prevalent around us.

PRAYER:

Lord, grant me wisdom and discernment to recognize scandalous schemes, and keep me from ever, even inadvertently, being an instrument of harm to others.

Through Your presence within me in Christ Jesus. Amen.  –AP