Jun 114 min read

Matthew 18:7 and the Responsibility of Evangelism

Matthew 18:7 states, "Woe to the world because of the stumbling blocks! For it is inevitable that stumbling blocks will come, but woe to the man through whom the stumbling block comes!" This verse underscores the seriousness of causing others to stumble in their faith. In the broader context of evangelism, this warning can indeed apply to Christians who do not take their evangelistic responsibilities seriously.

Evangelistic Responsibility

Jesus’ Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 commands believers to "go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." This commission highlights the critical role of Christians in spreading the Gospel and making disciples.

Matthew 24:14 reinforces this mission: "And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come." The urgency and importance of evangelism are clear, as the proclamation of the Gospel is integral to God's plan for humanity.

The Danger of Neglecting Evangelism

Neglecting evangelism can indeed be seen as a stumbling block. When Christians fail to share the Gospel, they miss opportunities to bring others to faith, potentially causing those individuals to stumble or remain in unbelief. Matthew 7:21-23 warns about the dangers of not doing the will of the Father: "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. On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'"

This passage emphasizes the necessity of genuine faith and obedience, which includes fulfilling the command to evangelize.

Speaking with Grace and Respect

Colossians 4:6 instructs, "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." Effective evangelism requires not only the sharing of the Gospel but doing so in a manner that is gracious and respectful.

Similarly, 1 Peter 3:15 advises, "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect." This approach ensures that our words do not become stumbling blocks themselves. When Christians are harsh, unkind, or disrespectful, they can turn people away from the Gospel rather than drawing them toward it.

The Consequences of Causing Others to Stumble

Matthew 18:7's warning is a sobering reminder of the consequences of causing others to stumble. The "woe" pronounced on those who cause stumbling blocks indicates severe judgment. In the context of evangelism, failing to share the Gospel or doing so in a manner that alienates potential believers can have eternal consequences.

Jesus' teaching in Matthew 18:6-7, "But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea. 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!" reinforces the gravity of causing others to sin or stumble in their faith.

Conclusion

In summary, Matthew 18:7 can indeed apply to Christians who do not take their evangelistic responsibilities seriously or who fail to communicate the Gospel with grace and respect. Such neglect or improper approach can become stumbling blocks to prospective disciples. Christians are called to share the Gospel diligently, graciously, and respectfully, ensuring that their actions and words draw people toward faith rather than causing them to stumble.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).