“Don’t offend the little ones” is a stern warning from Jesus. Luke 17:1One day Jesus said to his disciples, “There will always be temptations to sin, but what sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting! 2 It would be better to be thrown into the sea with a millstone hung around your neck than to cause one of these little ones to fall into sin.[1]
Some may ask who the little ones Jesus refers to are. Jesus used the term “little ones” not only to refer to children but also to his followers who were learning to follow Him. The phrase “little ones” suggests that children are inherently trusting. A trusting parent can greatly impact a child’s life, guiding them in the ways of the Lord.
Similarly, religious leaders can lead people closer to the Lord or away from Him. As a parent or a religious leader, the Lord has placed you in a significant position that can build up and bless others or tear them down. Out of love, we want to imitate the Lord by building up others. 1 John 2:10 Anyone who loves a fellow believer is living in the light and does not cause others to stumble.[2]
Leading Others Astray has Consequences
When we meditate on the consequences for leading people astray, causing them to sin, or promoting sinful behavior, it should bring about a fear of the Lord. Proverbs 9:10 Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. [3]
Having a millstone hung around your neck and thrown into the sea highlights the seriousness of leading someone away from the Lord. A millstone was a heavy, flat stone used for grinding grain. This large stone was attached to an ox or donkey that walked in circles, turning the stone to crush the grain. The image of having a millstone tied around the neck and being thrown into the sea evokes a terrifying death by drowning. However, such a death is minor compared to the eternal punishment a person faces if they do not repent of their sins.
Warnings are God’s Grace
Parents give warnings because they love us and are trying to protect us, such as telling us not to touch the hot burner. God also gives us warnings that help us stay on the narrow path if we follow His guidance. God does not want us to suffer the consequences of having a millstone hung around our neck and thrown into the sea in a figurative sense.
If we refuse to listen to God’s warnings, our conscience becomes dull. We might resemble a skunk that emits a foul odor but remains unbothered by it. Those caught up in sin are frequently unaware of their own moral stink. This is not God’s desire for any of us. Our loving God wants us to respond to His warnings, sharpening our conscience and our faith in Him. As we do, we are better able to hear His voice so He can guide us along our journey of faith.
So don’t offend the little ones. To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/03battle-11-8-26
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.