Jesus' Never Changing Answers
For an Ever Changing World
Luk 2:8-15 KJV And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. (9) And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. (10) And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. (11) For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. (12) And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. (13) And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, (14) Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. (15) And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
Isa 9:1-7 KJV Nevertheless the dimness shall not be such as was in her vexation, when at the first he lightly afflicted the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, and afterward did more grievously afflict her by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, in Galilee of the nations. (2) The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. (3) Thou hast multiplied the nation, and not increased the joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil. (4) For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian. (5) For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire. (6) For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (7) Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
Joh 14:1-7 KJV Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. (2) In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. (3) And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (4) And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. (5) Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? (6) Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (7) If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.
Mat 18:1-14 KJV At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? (2) And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, (3) And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. (4) Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. (5) And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. (6) But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. (7) 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! (8) Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. (9) And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire. (10) Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven. (11) For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. (12) How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? (13) And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray. (14) Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.
Luk 17:1-10 KJV Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come! (2) It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. (3) Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. (4) And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him. (5) And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith. (6) And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you. (7) But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat? (8) And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink? (9) Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not. (10) So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.
Mat 18:3 KJV And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
G3813
παιδίον
paidion
pahee-dee'-onNeuter diminutive of G3816; a childling (of either sex), that is, (properly) an infant, or (by extension) a half grown boy or girl; figuratively an immature Christian: - (little, young) child, damsel.
G3813
παιδίον
Thayer Definition:
1) a young child, a little boy, a little girl
1a) infants
1b) children, little ones
1c) an infant
1c1) of a (male) child just recently born
1d) of a more advanced child; of a mature child
1e) metaphorically children (like children) in intellect
Part of Speech: noun neuter
Mat 18:6 KJV
But whoso shall offend one of these little onesG3398which believe in
me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and
that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
G3398μικρός, μικρότερος
mikros mikroterosApparently a primary word, including the comparative (second form); small (in size, quantity, number or (figuratively) dignity): - least, less, little, small.
Thayer Definition:
1) small, little
1a) of size: hence of stature, of length
1b) of space
1c) of age: less by birth, younger
1d) of time: short, brief, a little while, how little!
1e) of quantity: i.e. number, amount
1f) of rank or influence
Part of Speech: adjective
There is 1 area in particular that there was an instance where a still born child was taken by the Lord Himself over David’s affair with Bathsheba. The Lord states that the child will be still born because David has given God’s enemies cause to celebrate in the sin committed. In addition according to some commentaries there would be no visible reminder of the sins committed.
2Sa 12:1-14 KJV And the LORD sent Nathan unto David. And he came unto him, and said unto him, There were two men in one city; the one rich, and the other poor. (2) The rich man had exceeding many flocks and herds: (3) But the poor man had nothing, save one little ewe lamb, which he had bought and nourished up: and it grew up together with him, and with his children; it did eat of his own meat, and drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom, and was unto him as a daughter. (4) And there came a traveller unto the rich man, and he spared to take of his own flock and of his own herd, to dress for the wayfaring man that was come unto him; but took the poor man's lamb, and dressed it for the man that was come to him. (5) And David's anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan, As the LORD liveth, the man that hath done this thing shall surely die: (6) And he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity. (7) And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul; (8) And I gave thee thy master's house, and thy master's wives into thy bosom, and gave thee the house of Israel and of Judah; and if that had been too little, I would moreover have given unto thee such and such things. (9) Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in his sight? thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and hast taken his wife to be thy wife, and hast slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon. (10) Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house; because thou hast despised me, and hast taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be thy wife. (11) Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give them unto thy neighbour, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun. (12) For thou didst it secretly: but I will do this thing before all Israel, and before the sun. (13) And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die. (14) Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die.
We must also remember we are at a time in biblical history when the law had been given. Also we already know from Jesus’ words that this child’s angel will be in heaven looking at the Father’s face.
There are a lot of passages we could use right here for the opening but here in this one we have Jesus describing children. Please note that there are no words such as fetuses, embryos, stem-cell or blastocysts here. The words used are child and children. The other phrase we see used in scripture is “little ones”. We heavily explored verse 10 in America’s Alarms and Warnings. We explored how the biblical viewpoint in every instance including rape and incest was always pro-life. The reason we are revisiting this subject is that some statistics are out that are quite alarming. Before we start with this journey however let’s recount the passages which explain these subjects concerning the children. We should also note that in the NT the phrase “little ones” is only spoken by Jesus Himself.
Another thing we should probably mention in a search on the exact phrase “little ones” that encompassed both testaments the phrase appears exactly 80 times in 40 verses. This seems kind of interesting when considering the way this number fits into scriptural history in both testaments. The number 40 represents the number of years Israel wandered in the desert. It represents the number of days Jesus wandered in His wilderness. It’s also interesting that here in the United States we just celebrated Roe V Wade the infamous court decision and its 40th birthday recently. Here we are dealing with 40 and children. The most interesting aspect we might note is the fact that in each of our references from the Bible there is considered an element of testing.
Gen 35:16-20 KJV And they journeyed from Bethel; and there was but a little way to come to Ephrath: and Rachel travailed, and she had hard labour. (17) And it came to pass, when she was in hard labour, that the midwife said unto her, Fear not; thou shalt have this son also. (18) And it came to pass, as her soul was in departing, (for she died) that she called his name Benoni: but his father called him Benjamin. (19) And Rachel died, and was buried in the way to Ephrath, which is Bethlehem. (20) And Jacob set a pillar upon her grave: that is the pillar of Rachel's grave unto this day.
One great example is right here when the midwife says to Rachel fear not this son will be born. Does this sound like Rachel was worried about her health or the baby’s. If you are a Christian then there should be no question as to what God wants. It was the easiest command He ever gave man and the most enjoyable.
Gen 1:27-28 KJV So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. (28) And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
Gen 9:1-2 KJV And God blessed Noah and his sons, and said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth. (2) And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon every fowl of the air, upon all that moveth upon the earth, and upon all the fishes of the sea; into your hand are they delivered.
Gen 17:1-9 KJV And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. (2) And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly. (3) And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying, (4) As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations. (5) Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee. (6) And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee. (7) And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee. (8) And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God. (9) And God said unto Abraham, Thou shalt keep my covenant therefore, thou, and thy seed after thee in their generations.
Another example of this would be in the case of Mary herself. Remember when the people were wanting Joseph to do away with her for committing adultery. She wasn’t swayed for one moment not to have the Son of the living God Jesus.
Mat 1:16-25 KJV And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ. (17) So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations. (18) Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. (19) Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. (20) But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. (21) And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. (22) Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, (23) Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. (24) Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: (25) And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
Next we have a case of incest in which the outcome was included in the lineage of Jesus. This concerned the affair between Tamar and Judah. Tamar being Judah’s daughter in law. However we should keep in mind that this was before the law was set down concerning incestuous relationships. However we should also keep in mind that this particular example of incest had a child that was entered into the genealogical passages of Jesus. This is found in both those of Matthew and Luke respectively.
Mat 1:3 KJV And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram;
Luk 3:33 KJV Which was the son of Aminadab, which was the son of Aram, which was the son of Esrom, which was the son of Phares, which was the son of Juda,
Gen 38:6-30 KJV And Judah took a wife for Er his firstborn, whose name was Tamar. (7) And Er, Judah's firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the LORD; and the LORD slew him. (8) And Judah said unto Onan, Go in unto thy brother's wife, and marry her, and raise up seed to thy brother. (9) And Onan knew that the seed should not be his; and it came to pass, when he went in unto his brother's wife, that he spilled it on the ground, lest that he should give seed to his brother. (10) And the thing which he did displeased the LORD: wherefore he slew him also. (11) Then said Judah to Tamar his daughter in law, Remain a widow at thy father's house, till Shelah my son be grown: for he said, Lest peradventure he die also, as his brethren did. And Tamar went and dwelt in her father's house. (12) And in process of time the daughter of Shuah Judah's wife died; and Judah was comforted, and went up unto his sheepshearers to Timnath, he and his friend Hirah the Adullamite. (13) And it was told Tamar, saying, Behold thy father in law goeth up to Timnath to shear his sheep. (14) And she put her widow's garments off from her, and covered her with a vail, and wrapped herself, and sat in an open place, which is by the way to Timnath; for she saw that Shelah was grown, and she was not given unto him to wife. (15) When Judah saw her, he thought her to be an harlot; because she had covered her face. (16) And he turned unto her by the way, and said, Go to, I pray thee, let me come in unto thee; (for he knew not that she was his daughter in law.) And she said, What wilt thou give me, that thou mayest come in unto me? (17) And he said, I will send thee a kid from the flock. And she said, Wilt thou give me a pledge, till thou send it? (18) And he said, What pledge shall I give thee? And she said, Thy signet, and thy bracelets, and thy staff that is in thine hand. And he gave it her, and came in unto her, and she conceived by him. (19) And she arose, and went away, and laid by her vail from her, and put on the garments of her widowhood. (20) And Judah sent the kid by the hand of his friend the Adullamite, to receive his pledge from the woman's hand: but he found her not. (21) Then he asked the men of that place, saying, Where is the harlot, that was openly by the way side? And they said, There was no harlot in this place. (22) And he returned to Judah, and said, I cannot find her; and also the men of the place said, that there was no harlot in this place. (23) And Judah said, Let her take it to her, lest we be shamed: behold, I sent this kid, and thou hast not found her. (24) And it came to pass about three months after, that it was told Judah, saying, Tamar thy daughter in law hath played the harlot; and also, behold, she is with child by whoredom. And Judah said, Bring her forth, and let her be burnt. (25) When she was brought forth, she sent to her father in law, saying, By the man, whose these are, am I with child: and she said, Discern, I pray thee, whose are these, the signet, and bracelets, and staff. (26) And Judah acknowledged them, and said, She hath been more righteous than I; because that I gave her not to Shelah my son. And he knew her again no more. (27) And it came to pass in the time of her travail, that, behold, twins were in her womb. (28) And it came to pass, when she travailed, that the one put out his hand: and the midwife took and bound upon his hand a scarlet thread, saying, This came out first. (29) And it came to pass, as he drew back his hand, that, behold, his brother came out: and she said, How hast thou broken forth? this breach be upon thee: therefore his name was called Pharez. (30) And afterward came out his brother, that had the scarlet thread upon his hand: and his name was called Zarah.
Gen 34:1-4 KJV And Dinah the daughter of Leah, which she bare unto Jacob, went out to see the daughters of the land. (2) And when Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, prince of the country, saw her, he took her, and lay with her, and defiled her. (3) And his soul clave unto Dinah the daughter of Jacob, and he loved the damsel, and spake kindly unto the damsel. (4) And Shechem spake unto his father Hamor, saying, Get me this damsel to wife.
Gen 34:5-22 KJV And Jacob heard that he had defiled Dinah his daughter: now his sons were with his cattle in the field: and Jacob held his peace until they were come. (6) And Hamor the father of Shechem went out unto Jacob to commune with him. (7) And the sons of Jacob came out of the field when they heard it: and the men were grieved, and they were very wroth, because he had wrought folly in Israel in lying with Jacob's daughter; which thing ought not to be done. (8) And Hamor communed with them, saying, The soul of my son Shechem longeth for your daughter: I pray you give her him to wife. (9) And make ye marriages with us, and give your daughters unto us, and take our daughters unto you. (10) And ye shall dwell with us: and the land shall be before you; dwell and trade ye therein, and get you possessions therein. (11) And Shechem said unto her father and unto her brethren, Let me find grace in your eyes, and what ye shall say unto me I will give. (12) Ask me never so much dowry and gift, and I will give according as ye shall say unto me: but give me the damsel to wife. (13) And the sons of Jacob answered Shechem and Hamor his father deceitfully, and said, because he had defiled Dinah their sister: (14) And they said unto them, We cannot do this thing, to give our sister to one that is uncircumcised; for that were a reproach unto us: (15) But in this will we consent unto you: If ye will be as we be, that every male of you be circumcised; (16) Then will we give our daughters unto you, and we will take your daughters to us, and we will dwell with you, and we will become one people. (17) But if ye will not hearken unto us, to be circumcised; then will we take our daughter, and we will be gone. (18) And their words pleased Hamor, and Shechem Hamor's son. (19) And the young man deferred not to do the thing, because he had delight in Jacob's daughter: and he was more honourable than all the house of his father. (20) And Hamor and Shechem his son came unto the gate of their city, and communed with the men of their city, saying, (21) These men are peaceable with us; therefore let them dwell in the land, and trade therein; for the land, behold, it is large enough for them; let us take their daughters to us for wives, and let us give them our daughters. (22) Only herein will the men consent unto us for to dwell with us, to be one people, if every male among us be circumcised, as they are circumcised.
Simeon and Levi murder the people of Shechem which Jacob denounced at the time of his death.
Gen 34:25-27 KJV And it came to pass on the third day, when they were sore, that two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah's brethren, took each man his sword, and came upon the city boldly, and slew all the males. (26) And they slew Hamor and Shechem his son with the edge of the sword, and took Dinah out of Shechem's house, and went out. (27) The sons of Jacob came upon the slain, and spoiled the city, because they had defiled their sister.
Gen 49:5-7 KJV Simeon and Levi are brethren; instruments of cruelty are in their habitations. (6) O my soul, come not thou into their secret; unto their assembly, mine honour, be not thou united: for in their anger they slew a man, and in their selfwill they digged down a wall. (7) Cursed be their anger, for it was fierce; and their wrath, for it was cruel: I will divide them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel.
Now does it sound as though Jacob would have killed his potential grandchild in this case? Actually and this is just 1 of many traditions the alleged daughter of the rape was the wife given to Joseph in Egypt. This you can decide and study for yourself. However it corresponds in this case in order that Joseph had a Jewess as a wife.
Now that we have covered the biblical examples for all the arguments for an abortion let’s explore some more scriptures and see what they may divulge.
2Pe 3:9 KJV The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
The Lord it’s pretty clear does not intend for any of us to perish or die. He never wanted that from the beginning. Adam and Eve all of us in general were intended to live forever.
Gen 3:1-5 KJV Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? (2) And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: (3) But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. (4) And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: (5) For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.
1Co 15:12-22 KJV Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? (13) But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: (14) And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. (15) Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. (16) For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: (17) And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. (18) Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. (19) If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. (20) But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. (21) For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. (22) For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
Joh 3:14-21 KJV And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: (15) That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. (16) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (17) For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. (18) He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (19) And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. (20) For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. (21) But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
Now we have recovered some ground concerning abortion and all the so-called excuses for it. We have to face some other haunting menaces of the children. These are physical, mental and sexual abuse or pedophilia. This has a place in Jesus’ words also.
Mat 18:6 KJV But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
Mat 18:10 KJV Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.
Mat 18:14 KJV Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.
We have 2 different descriptions given by Jesus concerning the treatment of the little ones.
Mat 18:6 KJV
But whoso shall offendG4624one of these little ones which believe in me,
it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and
that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
We have the first reference using the word offend.
G4624
σκανδαλίζωskandalizo
To “scandalize”; from G4625; to entrap, that is, trip up (figuratively stumble [transitively] or entice to sin, apostasy or displeasure): - (make to) offend.
G4625
σκάνδαλονskandalonA “scandal”; probably from a derivative of G2578; a trap stick (bent sapling), that is, snare (figuratively cause of displeasure or sin): - occasion to fall (of stumbling), offence, thing that offends, stumbling-block.
Perhaps better explored from the point of view that Jesus addresses on into this passage. Notice we are dealing with different parts of the body here. This contained in a passage where Jesus is teaching us not to offend the little ones. Offending in the sense of causing a child to stumble or even worse have no belief. There are at least 3 ways we can list that adults can cause a child to stumble. These are physically, psychologically and perhaps the worst of all sexually. In other words different types of abuses.
G4624σκανδαλίζω
skandalízō; fut. skandalísō, from skándalon (G4625), a trap, stumbling block. To cause to stumble and fall, not found in Gr. writers. In the NT, figuratively to be a stumbling block to someone, to cause to stumble at or in something, to give a cause of offense to someone. Trans.:
(I) Generally, to offend, vex, particularly to scandalize, with the acc. of person (Mat_17:27; Joh_6:61; 1Co_8:13); pass. (Mat_13:21; Mat_15:12; Mat_24:10; Mar_4:17; Joh_16:1; 2Co_11:29); pass., followed by en (G1722), in, to be offended by someone, to take offense at his character, words, conduct, so as to reject him (Mat_11:6; Mat_13:57; Mat_26:31, Mat_26:33; Mar_6:3; Mar_14:27; Luk_7:23).
(II) Causative, to cause to offend, lead astray, lead into sin, be a stumbling block or the occasion of one's sinning. With the acc. of person (Mat_5:29-30; Mat_18:6, Mat_18:8-9; Mar_9:42-43, Mar_9:45, Mar_9:47; Luk_17:2; Rom_14:21). Hence in the pass., to be offended, be led astray or into sin, fall away from the truth. In Rom. 14, In the case of adiáphora (i.e., matters of liberty or conscience), the act of offending is indeed causative. To offend is not to upset, annoy, vex or irritate. Rather, to offend in this case is to cause one to offend himself, to stumble, by leading him to exercise a liberty against his conscience.
Syn.: píptō (G4098), to fail or fall; husteréō (G5302), to come behind, fall short; proskóptō (G4350), to stumble; ptaíō (G4417), to offend, stumble, sin; diabállō (G4624), to falsely accuse.
Ant.: boēthéō (G997), to help.
Mat 18:10 KJV Take heed that ye despiseG2706 not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.
G2706
καταφρονέω
kataphroneoThayer Definition:
1) to contemn, despise, disdain, think little or nothing of
Part of Speech: verb
G2596 κατά
kat-ah'
A primary particle; (preposition) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case [genitive, dative or accusative] with which it is joined): - about, according as (to), after, against, (when they were) X alone, among, and, X apart, (even, like) as (concerning, pertaining to, touching), X aside, at, before, beyond, by, to the charge of, [charita-] bly, concerning, + covered, [dai-] ly, down, every, (+ far more) exceeding, X more excellent, for, from . . . to, godly, in (-asmuch, divers, every, -to, respect of), . . . by, after the manner of, + by any means, beyond (out of) measure, X mightily, more, X natural, of (up-) on (X part), out (of every), over against, (+ your) X own, + particularly, so, through (-oughout, -oughout every), thus, (un-) to (-gether, -ward), X uttermost, where (-by), with. In composition it retains many of these applications, and frequently denotes opposition, distribution or intensity.
G5426
φρονέω
phroneoFrom G5424; to exercise the mind, that is, entertain or have a sentiment or opinion; by implication to be (mentally) disposed (more or less earnestly in a certain direction); intensively to interest oneself in (with concern or obedience): - set the affection on, (be) care (-ful), (be like-, + be of one, + be of the same, + let this) mind (-ed, regard, savour, think.
It’s pretty astounding that when we apply all of these different definitions they cover all things we will be exploring. Actually when we consider the word study it can summarize a great deal of things concerning children.
Mat 18:10 KJV Take heed that ye despiseG2706 not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the faceG4383 of my Father which is in heaven.
Now we can cover once again what exactly it means when Jesus says the angels of the children behold the Father’s face in heaven.
G4383πρόσωπονpros'-o-pon
From G4314 and ὤψ ōps (the visage; from G3700); the front (as being towards view), that is, the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication presence, person: - (outward) appearance, X before, countenance, face, fashion, (men’s) person, presence.
This in itself makes the children much more special to God it seems. The phrase face to face is found 11 times in the entirety of scripture.
Gen 8:15 KJV And God spake unto Noah, saying,
Gen 12:1-3 KJV Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee: (2) And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: (3) And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.
Gen 32:30 KJV And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.
Exo 33:11 KJV And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle.
Deu 5:4 KJV The LORD talked with you face to face in the mount out of the midst of the fire,
Deu 34:10 KJV And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face,
As we can see the angels of the littler ones share some very unique and special company.
Joh 14:1-7 KJV Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. (2) In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. (3) And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (4) And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. (5) Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? (6) Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (7) If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.
As always thanks for sharing a word
God Bless
For an Ever Changing World
Isa 9:1-7 KJV Nevertheless the dimness shall not be such as was in her vexation, when at the first he lightly afflicted the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, and afterward did more grievously afflict her by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, in Galilee of the nations. (2) The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. (3) Thou hast multiplied the nation, and not increased the joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil. (4) For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian. (5) For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire. (6) For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (7) Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
Joh 14:1-7 KJV Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. (2) In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. (3) And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (4) And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. (5) Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? (6) Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (7) If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.
Luk 17:1-10 KJV Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come! (2) It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. (3) Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. (4) And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him. (5) And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith. (6) And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you. (7) But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat? (8) And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink? (9) Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not. (10) So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.
Mat 18:3 KJV And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
G3813
παιδίον
paidion
pahee-dee'-onNeuter diminutive of G3816; a childling (of either sex), that is, (properly) an infant, or (by extension) a half grown boy or girl; figuratively an immature Christian: - (little, young) child, damsel.
G3813
παιδίον
Thayer Definition:
1b) children, little ones
1c) an infant
1e) metaphorically children (like children) in intellect
Mat 18:6 KJV
But whoso shall offend one of these little onesG3398which believe in
me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and
that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
G3398μικρός, μικρότερος
mikros mikroterosApparently a primary word, including the comparative (second form); small (in size, quantity, number or (figuratively) dignity): - least, less, little, small.
Thayer Definition:
1) small, little
1b) of space
1c) of age: less by birth, younger
1d) of time: short, brief, a little while, how little!
1e) of quantity: i.e. number, amount
1f) of rank or influence
Part of Speech: adjective
2Sa 12:1-14 KJV And the LORD sent Nathan unto David. And he came unto him, and said unto him, There were two men in one city; the one rich, and the other poor. (2) The rich man had exceeding many flocks and herds: (3) But the poor man had nothing, save one little ewe lamb, which he had bought and nourished up: and it grew up together with him, and with his children; it did eat of his own meat, and drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom, and was unto him as a daughter. (4) And there came a traveller unto the rich man, and he spared to take of his own flock and of his own herd, to dress for the wayfaring man that was come unto him; but took the poor man's lamb, and dressed it for the man that was come to him. (5) And David's anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan, As the LORD liveth, the man that hath done this thing shall surely die: (6) And he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity. (7) And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul; (8) And I gave thee thy master's house, and thy master's wives into thy bosom, and gave thee the house of Israel and of Judah; and if that had been too little, I would moreover have given unto thee such and such things. (9) Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in his sight? thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and hast taken his wife to be thy wife, and hast slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon. (10) Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house; because thou hast despised me, and hast taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be thy wife. (11) Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give them unto thy neighbour, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun. (12) For thou didst it secretly: but I will do this thing before all Israel, and before the sun. (13) And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die. (14) Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die.
We must also remember we are at a time in biblical history when the law had been given. Also we already know from Jesus’ words that this child’s angel will be in heaven looking at the Father’s face.
There are a lot of passages we could use right here for the opening but here in this one we have Jesus describing children. Please note that there are no words such as fetuses, embryos, stem-cell or blastocysts here. The words used are child and children. The other phrase we see used in scripture is “little ones”. We heavily explored verse 10 in America’s Alarms and Warnings. We explored how the biblical viewpoint in every instance including rape and incest was always pro-life. The reason we are revisiting this subject is that some statistics are out that are quite alarming. Before we start with this journey however let’s recount the passages which explain these subjects concerning the children. We should also note that in the NT the phrase “little ones” is only spoken by Jesus Himself.
Another thing we should probably mention in a search on the exact phrase “little ones” that encompassed both testaments the phrase appears exactly 80 times in 40 verses. This seems kind of interesting when considering the way this number fits into scriptural history in both testaments. The number 40 represents the number of years Israel wandered in the desert. It represents the number of days Jesus wandered in His wilderness. It’s also interesting that here in the United States we just celebrated Roe V Wade the infamous court decision and its 40th birthday recently. Here we are dealing with 40 and children. The most interesting aspect we might note is the fact that in each of our references from the Bible there is considered an element of testing.
Gen 35:16-20 KJV And they journeyed from Bethel; and there was but a little way to come to Ephrath: and Rachel travailed, and she had hard labour. (17) And it came to pass, when she was in hard labour, that the midwife said unto her, Fear not; thou shalt have this son also. (18) And it came to pass, as her soul was in departing, (for she died) that she called his name Benoni: but his father called him Benjamin. (19) And Rachel died, and was buried in the way to Ephrath, which is Bethlehem. (20) And Jacob set a pillar upon her grave: that is the pillar of Rachel's grave unto this day.
One great example is right here when the midwife says to Rachel fear not this son will be born. Does this sound like Rachel was worried about her health or the baby’s. If you are a Christian then there should be no question as to what God wants. It was the easiest command He ever gave man and the most enjoyable.
Gen 1:27-28 KJV So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. (28) And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
Gen 9:1-2 KJV And God blessed Noah and his sons, and said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth. (2) And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon every fowl of the air, upon all that moveth upon the earth, and upon all the fishes of the sea; into your hand are they delivered.
Gen 17:1-9 KJV And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. (2) And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly. (3) And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying, (4) As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations. (5) Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee. (6) And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee. (7) And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee. (8) And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God. (9) And God said unto Abraham, Thou shalt keep my covenant therefore, thou, and thy seed after thee in their generations.
Mat 1:16-25 KJV And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ. (17) So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations. (18) Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. (19) Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. (20) But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. (21) And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. (22) Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, (23) Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. (24) Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: (25) And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
Next we have a case of incest in which the outcome was included in the lineage of Jesus. This concerned the affair between Tamar and Judah. Tamar being Judah’s daughter in law. However we should keep in mind that this was before the law was set down concerning incestuous relationships. However we should also keep in mind that this particular example of incest had a child that was entered into the genealogical passages of Jesus. This is found in both those of Matthew and Luke respectively.
Mat 1:3 KJV And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram;
Luk 3:33 KJV Which was the son of Aminadab, which was the son of Aram, which was the son of Esrom, which was the son of Phares, which was the son of Juda,
Gen 38:6-30 KJV And Judah took a wife for Er his firstborn, whose name was Tamar. (7) And Er, Judah's firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the LORD; and the LORD slew him. (8) And Judah said unto Onan, Go in unto thy brother's wife, and marry her, and raise up seed to thy brother. (9) And Onan knew that the seed should not be his; and it came to pass, when he went in unto his brother's wife, that he spilled it on the ground, lest that he should give seed to his brother. (10) And the thing which he did displeased the LORD: wherefore he slew him also. (11) Then said Judah to Tamar his daughter in law, Remain a widow at thy father's house, till Shelah my son be grown: for he said, Lest peradventure he die also, as his brethren did. And Tamar went and dwelt in her father's house. (12) And in process of time the daughter of Shuah Judah's wife died; and Judah was comforted, and went up unto his sheepshearers to Timnath, he and his friend Hirah the Adullamite. (13) And it was told Tamar, saying, Behold thy father in law goeth up to Timnath to shear his sheep. (14) And she put her widow's garments off from her, and covered her with a vail, and wrapped herself, and sat in an open place, which is by the way to Timnath; for she saw that Shelah was grown, and she was not given unto him to wife. (15) When Judah saw her, he thought her to be an harlot; because she had covered her face. (16) And he turned unto her by the way, and said, Go to, I pray thee, let me come in unto thee; (for he knew not that she was his daughter in law.) And she said, What wilt thou give me, that thou mayest come in unto me? (17) And he said, I will send thee a kid from the flock. And she said, Wilt thou give me a pledge, till thou send it? (18) And he said, What pledge shall I give thee? And she said, Thy signet, and thy bracelets, and thy staff that is in thine hand. And he gave it her, and came in unto her, and she conceived by him. (19) And she arose, and went away, and laid by her vail from her, and put on the garments of her widowhood. (20) And Judah sent the kid by the hand of his friend the Adullamite, to receive his pledge from the woman's hand: but he found her not. (21) Then he asked the men of that place, saying, Where is the harlot, that was openly by the way side? And they said, There was no harlot in this place. (22) And he returned to Judah, and said, I cannot find her; and also the men of the place said, that there was no harlot in this place. (23) And Judah said, Let her take it to her, lest we be shamed: behold, I sent this kid, and thou hast not found her. (24) And it came to pass about three months after, that it was told Judah, saying, Tamar thy daughter in law hath played the harlot; and also, behold, she is with child by whoredom. And Judah said, Bring her forth, and let her be burnt. (25) When she was brought forth, she sent to her father in law, saying, By the man, whose these are, am I with child: and she said, Discern, I pray thee, whose are these, the signet, and bracelets, and staff. (26) And Judah acknowledged them, and said, She hath been more righteous than I; because that I gave her not to Shelah my son. And he knew her again no more. (27) And it came to pass in the time of her travail, that, behold, twins were in her womb. (28) And it came to pass, when she travailed, that the one put out his hand: and the midwife took and bound upon his hand a scarlet thread, saying, This came out first. (29) And it came to pass, as he drew back his hand, that, behold, his brother came out: and she said, How hast thou broken forth? this breach be upon thee: therefore his name was called Pharez. (30) And afterward came out his brother, that had the scarlet thread upon his hand: and his name was called Zarah.
Gen 34:1-4 KJV And Dinah the daughter of Leah, which she bare unto Jacob, went out to see the daughters of the land. (2) And when Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, prince of the country, saw her, he took her, and lay with her, and defiled her. (3) And his soul clave unto Dinah the daughter of Jacob, and he loved the damsel, and spake kindly unto the damsel. (4) And Shechem spake unto his father Hamor, saying, Get me this damsel to wife.
Gen 34:5-22 KJV And Jacob heard that he had defiled Dinah his daughter: now his sons were with his cattle in the field: and Jacob held his peace until they were come. (6) And Hamor the father of Shechem went out unto Jacob to commune with him. (7) And the sons of Jacob came out of the field when they heard it: and the men were grieved, and they were very wroth, because he had wrought folly in Israel in lying with Jacob's daughter; which thing ought not to be done. (8) And Hamor communed with them, saying, The soul of my son Shechem longeth for your daughter: I pray you give her him to wife. (9) And make ye marriages with us, and give your daughters unto us, and take our daughters unto you. (10) And ye shall dwell with us: and the land shall be before you; dwell and trade ye therein, and get you possessions therein. (11) And Shechem said unto her father and unto her brethren, Let me find grace in your eyes, and what ye shall say unto me I will give. (12) Ask me never so much dowry and gift, and I will give according as ye shall say unto me: but give me the damsel to wife. (13) And the sons of Jacob answered Shechem and Hamor his father deceitfully, and said, because he had defiled Dinah their sister: (14) And they said unto them, We cannot do this thing, to give our sister to one that is uncircumcised; for that were a reproach unto us: (15) But in this will we consent unto you: If ye will be as we be, that every male of you be circumcised; (16) Then will we give our daughters unto you, and we will take your daughters to us, and we will dwell with you, and we will become one people. (17) But if ye will not hearken unto us, to be circumcised; then will we take our daughter, and we will be gone. (18) And their words pleased Hamor, and Shechem Hamor's son. (19) And the young man deferred not to do the thing, because he had delight in Jacob's daughter: and he was more honourable than all the house of his father. (20) And Hamor and Shechem his son came unto the gate of their city, and communed with the men of their city, saying, (21) These men are peaceable with us; therefore let them dwell in the land, and trade therein; for the land, behold, it is large enough for them; let us take their daughters to us for wives, and let us give them our daughters. (22) Only herein will the men consent unto us for to dwell with us, to be one people, if every male among us be circumcised, as they are circumcised.
Simeon and Levi murder the people of Shechem which Jacob denounced at the time of his death.
Gen 34:25-27 KJV And it came to pass on the third day, when they were sore, that two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah's brethren, took each man his sword, and came upon the city boldly, and slew all the males. (26) And they slew Hamor and Shechem his son with the edge of the sword, and took Dinah out of Shechem's house, and went out. (27) The sons of Jacob came upon the slain, and spoiled the city, because they had defiled their sister.
Gen 49:5-7 KJV Simeon and Levi are brethren; instruments of cruelty are in their habitations. (6) O my soul, come not thou into their secret; unto their assembly, mine honour, be not thou united: for in their anger they slew a man, and in their selfwill they digged down a wall. (7) Cursed be their anger, for it was fierce; and their wrath, for it was cruel: I will divide them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel.
Now that we have covered the biblical examples for all the arguments for an abortion let’s explore some more scriptures and see what they may divulge.
2Pe 3:9 KJV The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
The Lord it’s pretty clear does not intend for any of us to perish or die. He never wanted that from the beginning. Adam and Eve all of us in general were intended to live forever.
Gen 3:1-5 KJV Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? (2) And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: (3) But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. (4) And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: (5) For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.
1Co 15:12-22 KJV Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? (13) But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: (14) And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. (15) Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. (16) For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: (17) And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. (18) Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. (19) If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. (20) But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. (21) For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. (22) For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
Joh 3:14-21 KJV And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: (15) That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. (16) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (17) For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. (18) He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (19) And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. (20) For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. (21) But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
Now we have recovered some ground concerning abortion and all the so-called excuses for it. We have to face some other haunting menaces of the children. These are physical, mental and sexual abuse or pedophilia. This has a place in Jesus’ words also.
Mat 18:6 KJV But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
Mat 18:10 KJV Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.
Mat 18:14 KJV Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.
We have 2 different descriptions given by Jesus concerning the treatment of the little ones.
Mat 18:6 KJV
But whoso shall offendG4624one of these little ones which believe in me,
it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and
that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
We have the first reference using the word offend.
G4624
σκανδαλίζωskandalizo
To “scandalize”; from G4625; to entrap, that is, trip up (figuratively stumble [transitively] or entice to sin, apostasy or displeasure): - (make to) offend.
G4625
σκάνδαλονskandalonA “scandal”; probably from a derivative of G2578; a trap stick (bent sapling), that is, snare (figuratively cause of displeasure or sin): - occasion to fall (of stumbling), offence, thing that offends, stumbling-block.
Perhaps better explored from the point of view that Jesus addresses on into this passage. Notice we are dealing with different parts of the body here. This contained in a passage where Jesus is teaching us not to offend the little ones. Offending in the sense of causing a child to stumble or even worse have no belief. There are at least 3 ways we can list that adults can cause a child to stumble. These are physically, psychologically and perhaps the worst of all sexually. In other words different types of abuses.
G4624σκανδαλίζω
skandalízō; fut. skandalísō, from skándalon (G4625), a trap, stumbling block. To cause to stumble and fall, not found in Gr. writers. In the NT, figuratively to be a stumbling block to someone, to cause to stumble at or in something, to give a cause of offense to someone. Trans.:
(I) Generally, to offend, vex, particularly to scandalize, with the acc. of person (Mat_17:27; Joh_6:61; 1Co_8:13); pass. (Mat_13:21; Mat_15:12; Mat_24:10; Mar_4:17; Joh_16:1; 2Co_11:29); pass., followed by en (G1722), in, to be offended by someone, to take offense at his character, words, conduct, so as to reject him (Mat_11:6; Mat_13:57; Mat_26:31, Mat_26:33; Mar_6:3; Mar_14:27; Luk_7:23).
(II) Causative, to cause to offend, lead astray, lead into sin, be a stumbling block or the occasion of one's sinning. With the acc. of person (Mat_5:29-30; Mat_18:6, Mat_18:8-9; Mar_9:42-43, Mar_9:45, Mar_9:47; Luk_17:2; Rom_14:21). Hence in the pass., to be offended, be led astray or into sin, fall away from the truth. In Rom. 14, In the case of adiáphora (i.e., matters of liberty or conscience), the act of offending is indeed causative. To offend is not to upset, annoy, vex or irritate. Rather, to offend in this case is to cause one to offend himself, to stumble, by leading him to exercise a liberty against his conscience.
Syn.: píptō (G4098), to fail or fall; husteréō (G5302), to come behind, fall short; proskóptō (G4350), to stumble; ptaíō (G4417), to offend, stumble, sin; diabállō (G4624), to falsely accuse.
Ant.: boēthéō (G997), to help.
Mat 18:10 KJV Take heed that ye despiseG2706 not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.
G2706
καταφρονέω
kataphroneoThayer Definition:
Part of Speech: verb
G2596 κατά
kat-ah'
A primary particle; (preposition) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case [genitive, dative or accusative] with which it is joined): - about, according as (to), after, against, (when they were) X alone, among, and, X apart, (even, like) as (concerning, pertaining to, touching), X aside, at, before, beyond, by, to the charge of, [charita-] bly, concerning, + covered, [dai-] ly, down, every, (+ far more) exceeding, X more excellent, for, from . . . to, godly, in (-asmuch, divers, every, -to, respect of), . . . by, after the manner of, + by any means, beyond (out of) measure, X mightily, more, X natural, of (up-) on (X part), out (of every), over against, (+ your) X own, + particularly, so, through (-oughout, -oughout every), thus, (un-) to (-gether, -ward), X uttermost, where (-by), with. In composition it retains many of these applications, and frequently denotes opposition, distribution or intensity.
G5426
φρονέω
phroneoFrom G5424; to exercise the mind, that is, entertain or have a sentiment or opinion; by implication to be (mentally) disposed (more or less earnestly in a certain direction); intensively to interest oneself in (with concern or obedience): - set the affection on, (be) care (-ful), (be like-, + be of one, + be of the same, + let this) mind (-ed, regard, savour, think.
It’s pretty astounding that when we apply all of these different definitions they cover all things we will be exploring. Actually when we consider the word study it can summarize a great deal of things concerning children.
Mat 18:10 KJV Take heed that ye despiseG2706 not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the faceG4383 of my Father which is in heaven.
Now we can cover once again what exactly it means when Jesus says the angels of the children behold the Father’s face in heaven.
G4383πρόσωπονpros'-o-pon
From G4314 and ὤψ ōps (the visage; from G3700); the front (as being towards view), that is, the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication presence, person: - (outward) appearance, X before, countenance, face, fashion, (men’s) person, presence.
This in itself makes the children much more special to God it seems. The phrase face to face is found 11 times in the entirety of scripture.
Gen 8:15 KJV And God spake unto Noah, saying,
Gen 32:30 KJV And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.
Exo 33:11 KJV And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle.
Deu 5:4 KJV The LORD talked with you face to face in the mount out of the midst of the fire,
Deu 34:10 KJV And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face,
As we can see the angels of the littler ones share some very unique and special company.
As always thanks for sharing a word
God Bless
