We live in a world where the majority seek what they desire and think of no one but themselves. We all affect others, and it will be with those we are close to, a family member, a close friend, or possibly a coworker who respects you. Often, families and friends part ways and do not speak when the relationship no longer benefits them. They never think about how this will impact the younger ones in the families. Egos get in the way in churches, and people say and do things that are not honoring Christ. These actions discourage younger Christians, and they want no part of the church. Some have been so offended that they walk away from Christ. This is what Jesus was teaching against in Matthew 18:6 and Luke 17:2. It would be better for the person who offends them to have a millstone around his neck and be thrown into the sea rather than offend a young or immature Christian. A millstone is a large stone used in ancient times to grind grain into flour. It would surpass the weight of most people, and certain death at the bottom of the sea would be the result.
Luke 17:2 “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.”
Matthew 18:6 “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.”
Jesus gave these warnings in a message He was teaching His disciples the value of humility. In verse 1, they asked Him, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven?” Jesus was not referring to a child’s immaturity but to the ability to be simplistic in their faith and humility. Children approach everything without preconceived ideas. It is not hard to get a child to believe in God. They readily accept what you tell them. At the same time, they will have questions about Heaven, God, Jesus, and Hell. They have no problem placing their faith in someone they cannot see. They are not haughty and full of pride. They are humble.
Jesus proceeds to call a little child to come and sit with Him. He uses this young child to illustrate their innocence and humility. In the parallel passage in Mark 9:35, Jesus addresses their desire to know who is first. He tells the 12 disciples, “If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.”
Matthew 18:1-5 “At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, 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. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name received me. ”
While we are to be humble, understanding that anything we have, especially our salvation, is a gift from God. We do not deserve it, and we did not earn it. Jesus also teaches us how we should treat and conduct ourselves so that young Christians are not offended or drawn off course by our actions. We are not to use our liberty to do anything that may not be sinful in itself but could lead one into sin. For instance, some believe it is ok to drink alcoholic beverages. I do not, and I know I could make a bible case against it—however, those who do drink need to consider how it will affect those who are new Christians. The Bible speaks clearly that it is a sin to get drunk. So it could lead them to sin. Our liberty has caused them to stumble. The word offend here means to cause one to fall into sin. Sooner or later, if a man keeps walking on the edge, he will fall off, and when others have watched him and think he is okay, they, too, will fall.
I Corinthians 8:9 “But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to them that are weak.
Romans 14:13 “Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.”
As we circle back to our main verse in Matthew 18:6, we see the seriousness of doing anything that would hinder a young Christian or child in their walk with the Lord. It would be better for us that we should have died.
Matthew 18:6 “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.”
Think about your life. Are you paying attention to how you live your life for the Lord? Is He your Master 24-7? Are you faithful to all the church services? When the preacher gives a message that does not align with your behavior, do you seek to change? Our children see this and begin to think it does not matter what the preacher says; that is his opinion. The preacher should be gaining his instruction from God’s word; if that is not the case, you need to find another church, but if he can show you by direct command or biblical principle that what he is teaching is God’s word, it is your responsibility to obey. Otherwise, you will offend younger Christians. Where are you in this command?
