Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 18:6

"But whoso shall cause one of these little ones that believe on me to stumble, it is profitable for him that a great millstone should be hanged about his neck, and [that] he should be sunk in the depth of the sea." — Matthew 18:6 (ASV)

This promise-warning couplet advances the thought by turning attention from the self-humiliation of the true disciple (vv.3–4) to the way others receive such “little ones” (GK 3625). The opening clauses of v.5 and v.6 are roughly parallel. The one who welcomes “a little child like this in my name” is not welcoming literal children but “children” defined in the previous verses—those who humble themselves to become like children and are Jesus’ true disciples (cf. “who believe in me” in v.6). They are not welcomed because they are great, wise, or mighty, but because they come in Jesus’ name (v.5). These “little ones” can stumble, even the greatest of them (14:28–31; 26:30–35); but whoever causes them to stumble stands in grave peril. The people most subject to Jesus’ judgment here are people of the world (cf. v.7).

The person who “welcomes” (GK 1312) one of these “little ones” welcomes Jesus himself (cf. 10:42). Presupposed here is the world’s animosity. Mere hospitality is not in view but hospitality given because of the “little ones’ ” link with Jesus; and it is probably presupposed that hospitality motivated in this way would be shown only if the benefactor were already well disposed toward Jesus, or at least moving in that direction. The antithetic alternative, causing the “little ones” to stumble, does not mean that the “little ones” are led into apostasy. Rather, they are rejected or ignored, which causes them to stumble in their discipleship. It may lead to serious sin; but, as in 10:40–42 and 25:31–46, the really grave aspect of the rejection is that it signifies a rejection of Jesus.

Because such estimates signal both a rejection of Jesus and a damaging of his people, drowning at sea before the evil is committed is much preferable to eschatological judgment, the eternal fire of hell (vv.8–9) that awaits the perpetrators (see comments on Mk 9:42–49).