Matthew 18:5-6 New International Version (NIV)
5 And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.
Causing to Stumble
6 “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. Thursday, July 30 - Matthew 18:5-6 Today’s passage is building on all the previous ones. Remember that Jesus is not specifically talking about children, but that the greatest citizens in the kingdom of heaven are like children who have nothing to offer, but only receive. Also, remember that Jesus pays the price for our sins (see Tuesdays devotion). With this in mind, when Jesus says that causing a “little one” with childlike faith to stumble he is talking about doing something to hurt their faith. When we put anything between a person and Jesus other than the cross we will be held guilty, not that person. This should quite literally “scare the hell out” of us. In case you think my language might be too strong then consider what Jesus said: it would be better for you to drown yourself in the ocean than to put a stumbling block in front of someone’s faith. So… first we should repent! Ask Jesus for mercy and forgiveness for any time we might have hurt someone’s faith. Then, ask Jesus to help us live like children who share his love, his forgiveness and his grace.