“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!” (Matthew 18:7 (ESV)
The Old Testament Jewish prophet had the responsibility of heralding God’s appointed and anointed announcement or oracle. The prophet of God could not, and would not, alter, change or replace God’s sovereign revelation. The oracle took two distinct forms.
First, there was an oracle of Weal, or blessing. This message of God’s favor began with the word “blessed” (Leviticus 26; Deuteronomy 27-28). It was an oracle of joy and happiness due to one’s obedience before God.
Second, there was an oracle of Woe, or judgment. The prophet announced this because of the people’s sin and disobedience (Leviticus 26; Deuteronomy 27-28; Isaiah 6:1-7).
Matthew recorded Jesus’ oracle of blessing (Matthew 5:1-12). Today’s text begins with an oracle of woe.
Jesus proclaimed woe (οὐαί; ouai), grief and distress upon the world (κόσμος; kosmos). This would refer to the fallen, wicked and disobedient world system of thought, words and behavior. Why did Jesus proclaim this woe?
His reason was because of the world’s efforts to tempt believers in Christ to sin. The phrase temptation to sin (σκάνδαλον; skandalon) means to create a snare, a stumbling-block, or a cause to sin against God. We derive our English word “scandal” from this Greek word.
Jesus also stated, “For it is necessary that temptations come.” The Lord meant that the fallen world is evil. Occasions for temptation are unavoidable. However, believers in Christ must not make excuses for treating such temptations lightly.
1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV) says, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”
Jesus then expressed a second “woe” within the text. He said, “Woe to the one by whom the temptation comes!” Temptations will come in this world. Yet, do not be the one that causes people to stumble into sinful choices.
“It is expected that those in the world will cause Christians to be offended, stumble, and sin, and they will be judged for it. But it should not be that fellow believers lead others into sin, directly or indirectly. One would be better off dead (Cf. Rom. 14:13, 19, 21; 15:2; 1 Cor. 8:13),” explains Dr. John MacArthur.
Have you been tempted to sin? Of course, you have. We all have. The Bible affirms this truth. However, consider the results of giving in to those temptations. Your decision may result in sinning against another Christian, their family and the church family; with devastating consequences. The consequences of one unguarded moment could result in a lifetime of regret (2 Samuel 11-12).
Remember, guard your heart (Proverbs 4:20-27). Have a blessed day in the Lord.
Soli deo Gloria!
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