Road Blocks and Snares (Mathew 13:21)

Matthew 13:21 says, "... yet has he no root in himself, but endures for a while; for when tribulation or persecution arise because of the word, immediately he is offended."

OFFENDED

This study focuses on the various uses and meanings  of the word "offend". 

First of all, the word "offend" is much too weak a translation, as this word conveys a much stronger image than simply hurt feelings. The idea, as in the case of the Pharisees with Jesus, (Matt. 15:12), is more adequately expressed by the word "incensed". In other words, this word conveys something that is destructive in behavior.

 TRAP

Originally, the word meant the "trap-stick" that held open a trap for ensnaring animals. Later it came to mean the trap itself that captured the prey. This is the imagery that defines the word.

The word group does not readily appear outside the Old and New testaments, and is in fact almost non-existent, other than a few sparse references, in historical literature.

DEFINITION

Specifically, this word is defined by its OT usage.

In the OT the word is used to translate two Hebrew words:

1) The first Hebrew word means a trap or snare, both literally and figuratively.

2) The second Hebrew word means, literally, a stumbling block or obstacle placed on the path, over which someone falls. (Lev.19:14)

Both of these OT meanings are contained in the use of the word.

Figuratively,  the word means:

1) A trap or snare, that catches someone in sin.

2) Something that hinders progress in faith or access to God.

DESTRUCTION 

Both meanings of the word strongly convey the idea of destruction, or something that causes ruin in the life of another.

This resulting destruction, or ruin,  is seen in our English word, that is derived from this Greek word, translated as "scandal". When we think of "scandal", there may be images of political corruption; sexual misconduct; or various religious leaders who have fallen. All of these are the outcome of the meaning of this word.

Jesus Himself was and is, a source of stumbling and a rock of offence to many. That does not make Jesus a cause of sin or destruction, but it reveals that both the stumbling block, and snare to sin, can be a result of inherent weakness in the individual, irrespective of the source.

We cannot control another individual or their behavior, as far as choice is concerned, but as the scripture warns, we must not intentionally do anything that is going to lead to their destruction (Rm.14:21; 1 Cor.8:13).

PERMANENT

The most tragic use of this word, in the parable of the different types of soils, is that the Greek conveys a permanent unchanging condition. In other words, these individuals, even though they momentarily embraced faith, lost out with God and their lives ultimately ended in ruin and destruction. 

We are not to be, in any way,  a trap that causes people to be seduced  to sin, or a stumbling block that literally prevents their access to faith, and relationship with the Father. Just the opposite, we are a path for others, free of obstacles, and those who deliver from the snares and entrapments of sin.

You are God's Best and God's Best is Yours.