Scripture

“What sorrow awaits the world, because it’s tempts people to sin. Temptations are inevitable, but what sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting.”

Observation

The disciples ask Jesus who is the greatest in God’s Kingdom. Jesus replies that we must turn from our sins and become like children to get inside the Kingdom. Anyone who becomes humble like a child is the greatest in the Kingdom.

Anyone who causes a “little one” (whether a child or a believer in Christ) to fall into sin will be judged so terribly that they would be better off with a millstone tied around their neck and cast into the sea. Temptation is inevitable, but sorrow awaits the one who tempts people.

If we are led Into temptation, we should cut off the offending parts of our body. It is better to enter eternity maned then to be thrown into the flames of Hell.

Application

It is one thing to sin ourselves, but infinitely worse if we cause somebody else to sin.

The world system, and those who participate in it, will be judged harshly by God for this reason.

When we look around at the temptations that our society exhorts us to indulge, it is no wonder that Jesus is so harsh. The world encourages us to lust after people, to engage in sexual promiscuity, to indulge in sexual depravity, to drink too much alcohol, to covet cars, houses, and other goods, to be gluttons, to despise authority, and so on.

Jesus shows us a very different way to live. It is not that we should reject everything the physical world offers, or all that society gives, but that we focus our attention on serving the Lord.

We must, therefore, ensure that we resist the seductions of the world. Above all, we must take care not to lead others into sin.

Prayer

Father God, you call me to live a life of simplicity and trust. Please help me to live in a way that pleases you. Amen.