Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.
The picture Jesus paints of this horrifying death would have terrified the Jewish listeners even more than crucifixion. He describes a Roman punishment that the Jewish people rarely allowed.*
I have often used this verse as a warning to myself to take great care with those who are “little ones” either in age or understanding. Those who are new in their faith require special attention and answering their questions requires intentional care. Other times I have used this verse to comfort myself when hearing of injustices against children that I feel I can do nothing about. Knowing that Jesus sees, cares, and ultimately will not tolerate injustices toward little ones who believe in Him brings comfort.
There is another way to apply this verse, however.
Jesus just described those who enter the Kingdom as those who are humble, seeing themselves as low and trusting and leaning on Jesus as a little child must. What does this mean?
It means that Jesus cares for you in the way that He describes. For those who trust in Him as a little one, depending upon God for all of their needs, Jesus brings justice. Jesus brings justice because Jesus cares.
There may be a lot going on out of your control, and a lot of it may be outside of your view or understanding, but Jesus sees. Jesus is just. Jesus cares.
Today, take a step.
Maybe today the one step God wants you to take is to receive His love and trust that it will produce His justice one day. Perhaps God wants for you to rest in the fact that He loves you as a little one. Maybe today God wants you to stand up for a little one that you know. Perhaps God wants you to take more care with the little ones around you.
Whatever the step, ask God to direct it. Take a moment to take that step. Invite Him to speak. He will.
Life is a long road. Walk it with Jesus. Take a step today… just one is fine.
Feel free to comment at the bottom of this page! We would love to hear from you!
*Leon, Morris, The Gospel According to Matthew. Pillar New Testament Commentary (Wm. B. Eerdmans, 1992), 461–462, and Keener, C. S., Matthew (Vol. 1, Mt 18:6–7) (InterVarsity Press, 1997).