PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 18:1-9
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“If anyone causes one of these little ones — those who believe in me — to stumble…” (Matthew 18:6)
I remember watching program that exposed adults luring young teens for sex.
It was disgusting to watch, to see these men who could do that to teens.
The police warn against this practice, that it can be dangerous.
But the disgust that this raises reflects the disgust of Jesus in these verses.
God is very, very angry about those who use and abuse the weak for personal pleasure.
It is in light of THIS that Jesus speaks about the millstone around the neck.
The Greek word behind ‘to stumble’ is literally ‘to be trapped’ like animals.
Let no one say that God is soft on sin, or that forgiveness is cheap.
Jesus’s own horrible death symbolizes the horror of all sins of victimization.
Here he is speaking to his own disciples, warning them against abuse.
Following Jesus requires that we repent, that we hate abuse of any kind.
By his Spirit he is gently exposing our abusive, hurtful ways and words.
We have no excuse, having seen the horror of his own death for these ‘little ones’.
He will deal harshly with followers who abuse and misuse his beloved sheep.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to understand the gravity of sin, how hurtful it is to others. Help me to see that grace is not cheap, and repentance is not trivial.
“Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble!” So many things – temptations can lead us down the wrong way and cause us to stumble in our faith. Yes it leads to death – loss of fellowship with God – like Cain – we become fugitives – never at peace. It is woe! Open my eyes Lord that I might see and not stumble – to call on you as a child – humbly needing you. Keep my ego from getting in the way that I might submit more faithfully to your will – especially when it comes to the things that make me stumble!
Am I a stumbling block or a stepping stone?
As a follower of Christ I need to be a servant serving the needs of those around me. I need to be like Christ Jesus unto them. Not my way Lord but Your will be done at all times. I need to be an instrument of His peace, to be an aid to all those around me.
Jesus calls us o’er the tumult
of our life’s wild, restless sea;
day by day his voice invites me,
saying “Christian, follow me!”
Jesus calls us! In your mercy,
Savior, help us hear your call;
give our hearts to your obedience,
serve and love you best of all!