Connected in The Word 9-30-25
It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea than that he should cause one of these little ones to stumble. Pay attention to yourselves! Luke 17:2-3a
That’s some tough talk from Jesus to His disciples (Yup – He is talking to His disciples here)! What’s got Jesus so worked up? What does Jesus think is worse than having a millstone tied around your neck and being cast into the sea? He must be talking about one of those REALLY JUICY SINS like murder, debauchery, or idolatry… Right?
WRONG! Jesus is warning His disciples that it is really easy for BELIEVERS to become stumbling blocks to others – Especially other believers! Stumbling blocks, like potholes (see yesterday’s devotion at https://connectedintheword.beehiiv.com/) come in all shapes and sizes. There are plenty of ways that we can cause others to stumble or lead them into sin. Jesus tells us to “pay attention” not because He’s worried about us hitting a pothole or stumbling block, but because He’s worried about us BECOMING A POTHOLE OR STUMBLING BLOCK to others!
Some people think that what Jesus says next is not related to the verse above. I strongly disagree. I think what Jesus says immediately following His words above tell us how we can avoid being stumbling blocks or potholes to others. Here’s my summary of what I think Jesus says next. If someone you know, love, and care about is caught in a sin, go to them privately and rebuke them gently (because you love them). If someone you know, love, and care about repents of their sin, forgive them – EVERY TIME THEY COME TO YOU! Our Lord wants to draw all people to Himself – PLEASE DON’T GET IN THE WAY!
Read more devotions at https://connectedintheword.beehiiv.com/