Scripture.
“But if you cause one of these little ones who trust in me to fall into sin, it would be better to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned into the depths of the sea.”
Observation
The disciples ask Jesus, “Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?”
Jesus sets a little child before them and says that to enter God’s kingdom, we must become like little children. Anyone who is humble like a little child is great in the Kingdom.
But, if anyone causes a child to sin, they would be better off drowned in the ocean. The world tempts people to sin and will be judged for. it. Sin is so important that we should be better off cutting off the parts of our body that causes us to sin. and therefore enter into eternal life.
Application
It is the nature of the people of the world to lead us into temptation. That is what they do. They will be judged for that. How great is the punishment coming to those who cause children to sin.
In Western culture, our attention is mainly focused on the material world and the present time. But Jesus says that we are being prepared for eternity and we need to live our lives in the light of that.
Hell is the eternal destiny of those who live in sin and reject Jesus. Heaven is the place for those who trust in God.
Jesus here says that those who cause little children to sin are the ones who will receive the greatest punishment.
Forgiveness comes to all who put their faith in Christ. When we ask Jesus to forgive us, it is a reset on the story of our lives. The slate is wiped clean and we have a new beginning.
Prayer.
Father, you lay out for us in stark terms, the choice that lies open to all people. Thank you for sending Jesus into the world to save all who receive Him. Amen.
New Life Narrabri 