THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 18:1-9
“If anyone causes one of these little ones — those who believe in me — to stumble…” (Matthew 18:6)
I recently watched a YouTube channel that exposed adults luring young teens for sex.
It was disturbing to watch, and also to see their shame when caught.
There was no mercy, the video was posted, the police were notified, they were trapped.
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 trap them’ like animals.
Jesus is giving a huge warning to pedophiles and child abusers – judgment day will not be pleasant.
God’s mercy does not excuse sin, making it OK if we harm others.
God demands that we repent, that we actually hate – loathe – our wicked practices.
Jesus’ horrible death symbolizes the horror of all sins of victimization.
Let no one claim that God is soft on sin, or that His forgiveness is cheap.
He will deal harshly with all who do not seriously repent of their sin and seek His mercy.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
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.