Matthew 18:7-9, Temptations to Sin

7 “Woe to the world for temptations to sin! For it is necessary that temptations come, but woe to the one by whom the temptation comes! 8 And if your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life crippled or lame than with two hands or two feet to be thrown into the eternal fire. 9 And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into the hell of fire.

Comments

Sin remains in the world, and people will be responsible for their own sins and for causing others to sin. Jesus’ words reflect the Sermon on the Mount in expressing the seriousness of sin, except now Jesus specifies a place of punishment: the fire of hell.

Jesus uses hyperbole to make his point serious, recommending cutting off limbs and plucking out eyes. If we take him seriously, we would have such ministries in our churches. This reminds us of the care needed to interpret Jesus’ teaching.

Prayer

Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

(BCP, p. 264)