A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW 

ONE CHILD      

Matthew 18:6 (Read verses 6-9) “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in Me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” 

In the U.S. culture, children are desired, highly valued, and strongly protected by the laws of the land. Jesus also valued children highly. Jesus’ words tell of the high value He placed upon not just the physical well-being of a child, but also their spiritual life.   

The Greek word for stumble has a stronger meaning than you associate with the word stumble. It presented a picture of an animal caught in a trap by touching the bait that was attached to a trigger causing the trap to fall upon it so that it could not escape. Jesus’ use of this word had the sense of someone entrapping a child to cause them to sin, to ruin their faith. Jesus says there is nothing worse someone can do.   

The Greek begins the next sentence with the word “woe.” Jesus here makes a judgement. He issues a verdict of condemnation toward any such individual. To those who set spiritual traps to entrap little children to lead them into sin and unbelief, the severest of punishments should be exercised upon them. Picture the implementation of Jesus’ words, “. . . it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” 

Remember, the context of Jesus’ words is established in Matthew 18:5 where Jesus said, “ . . . whoever welcomes one such child in My name welcomes Me.” Jesus’ words here focus upon another word He spoke recorded in Matthew 18:5, “. . . if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you.” Faith is God’s gift that He gives to the youngest, the oldest, and all ages between.  

Prayer: Cause me Lord to value all people, especially children all of whom You ransomed by the shedding of Your blood. In Your holy name. Amen. 

Children of the heav’nly Father  
Safely in His bosom gather;  
Nestling bird nor star in heaven  
Such a refuge e’er was given. 

God His own doth tend and nourish;  
In His holy courts they flourish.  
From all evil things He spares them;   
In His mighty arms He bears them. 

Neither life nor death shall ever   
From the Lord His children sever;  
Unto them His grace he showeth,  
And their sorrows all He knoweth. 

Though He giveth or He taketh,  
God His children ne’er forsaketh;  
His the loving purpose solely   
To preserve them pure and holy.   

Children of the Heavenly Father // LSB 725