_edited.jpg)
The Parable about cutting off your hands and feet is found in Matthew 18:7-9. Let's talk about it.
Matthew 18:7-9:
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.
In this parable, Jesus is teaching about the severity of causing others to sin and the radical measures one should take to avoid sin.
Jesus warns us that temptations to sin will come but "woe" to the person through whom they come. We don't often use the word "woe" in this day and age, but it means "to cause great sorrow or distress."
I had to do some digging on this one because initially I think of causing temptation as being a bad influence. And that does apply here. Instead of "temptation" many translations use the word, "offense." Matthew Henry explains an "offense" is something that "draws men from that which is good to that which is evil."
But it also means something that causes grief or "makes the heart of the righteous sad." So, He is talking about tempting others through poor influence but also about how our behavior can cause righteous people to be sad. I think of the world right now and in all its ungodliness and how sad it makes the hearts of the people of God and also how sad it makes God himself.
The next part of this parable emphasizes the importance of dealing with sin decisively. Jesus uses dramatic language to underline the importance of this. He suggests that if your hand or foot causes you to sin, you should cut it off and throw it away.
David Guzik teaches that, "Jesus warns us that we must be willing to sacrifice in fighting against sin, that nothing is worse than facing the wrath of a righteous God. It really is better to sacrifice in the battle against sin now than to face the punishment of eternity later."
We need to be serious about overcoming our sins. Jesus calls us to a total transformation of our minds and hearts. This parable shows us that spiritual integrity is very important to God. We must avoid actions that could lead others or ourselves to sin. This is much easier said than done but God gives us the Holy Spirit to help us to overcome all things.
Pray:
Lord, help us to be determined to overcome our sins. We repent for our sins and any sins we have caused in others. Fill us with your Holy Spirit so that we may stand strong against sin for the sake of ourselves and others. Amen.
Reflect:
What practical steps can you take to remove temptations from your life?
How do these verses change your understanding of the seriousness of sin and its consequences?
Have you ever had to make a difficult decision to avoid sin? How did it impact you?
How can you help others avoid sin and support them in the spiritual journey?
-Amy Adams of Kingdom Threads by Amy
Most people don't think of themselves as disciple makers. At Kingdom Threads by Amy, we create eye-catching apparel that start conversations about Jesus! Its evangelism made easy! Click on the SHOP NOW button to see our line of tees, hoodies, crewneck sweatshirts and decals.
Kommentare