Faith Like a Mustard Seed
Jesus said to His disciples, “It is inevitable that stumbling blocks will come, but woe to the one through whom they come! Luke 17:1 · Berean Standard Bible
Jesus gives a sober warning: things that cause people to sin will definitely come — but watch out if you're the one causing them.
He's speaking to His disciples about their responsibility toward each other, especially toward those who are vulnerable.
Jesus speaks with the weight of someone who takes spiritual harm very seriously.
Temptation is a fact of life, but causing someone else to stumble? That's something Jesus takes personally.
Jesus declares stumbling blocks (skandala) 'inevitable' (anendekton estin tou mē elthein), acknowledging the reality of spiritual temptation while pronouncing 'woe' (ouai) on those who cause it.
This teaching begins a new section addressing community ethics among disciples — stumbling blocks, forgiveness, faith, and duty — likely drawing from common early church instruction.
Jesus speaks to His disciples about the serious responsibility of not causing others to fall into sin.
Jesus warns His followers: temptations to sin are unavoidable in this world, but those who cause others to stumble will face severe judgment.
1Jesus said to His disciples, “It is inevitable that stumbling blocks will come, but woe to the one through whom they come!
2It would be better for him to have a millstone hung around his neck and to be thrown into the sea than to cause one of these little ones to stumble.
3Watch yourselves. If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him.
Read all of Luke 17 — Ten lepers are cleansed, but only one returns to say thank you — and he's the outsider. Jesus teaches that the kingdom comes without warning.
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