Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!
Christ pronounces woe not in cursing the world itself, but lamenting the calamities that offenses bring upon it. Satan throws stumbling blocks at nearly every step; we yield through laziness and weakness. Few make real progress in faith, and scarcely one in ten perseveres to the end. Each of us must earnestly apply himself to overcome these offenses, or our indifference condemns us.
AI summary
The disciples asked who would be greatest in the kingdom, not from hunger for holiness but for name and rank. They had dreamed of a temporal kingdom with external pomp and power, fastened upon Christ's words of glory while forgetting His sufferings. Many love to hear of privileges and crown while overlooking the yoke and cross.
AI summary
Commenting on Matthew 18:1-35
Offenses mean temptations to sin: the contempt cast on Christ's doctrine, the afflictions meant to make His people deny the faith. Satan's malice and the world's enmity ensure these come; God permits them to test the gracious and expose hypocrites. Yet this does not excuse those who perpetrate them, their wickedness stands guilty regardless of God's overruling purposes.
AI summary