The Stumbling Block:
42 “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea.
10th December 2024: Horsham
In previous verses, Jesus encouraged the disciples to look at a small child. In a culture where children have no rights and are often overlooked, Jesus tells them that they need to become like this little one, recognising their own helplessness and dependence on God. Whoever takes the lowly position of a child, will become the greatest in his kingdom (Matthew 18:3). In Mark’s gospel, he tells them that they should welcome the one who is like a child (Mark 9:36-37). He uses the child as a metaphor for the follower of Jesus.
So we come to today’s verse, where again, that metaphor is used. It is a verse which should give cause for thought to every Christian teacher at any level, from University lecturer to Sunday School teacher.
As the previous verse was about encouraging other followers of Christ, this verse is a warning against discouraging Christian people. How easy it is, whilst in the position of teacher, to inadvertently say something which discourages or deflects fledgling faith, and which causes a new or developing Christian to stumble. In every Church, we lament the empty chair or the absence of adolescents, sometimes our own children. Yet how many of them have been ‘put off’ by a careless word or a destructive comment. We need to take the greatest care when we teach others.
Preachers, teachers, bible study leaders, youth leaders, children’s workers, Sunday school teachers – teaching matters of faith bring great responsibility.
‘Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.’ (James 3:1)
Our responsibility is to study and reflect, to pray and to listen, to prepare thoroughly before we speak.
Two bits of context. First, the millstone referred to in this verse would have been very familiar to Christ’s contemporaries. It is the large upper stone which is pulled round in circles by the donkey. It is heavy. Very heavy. Secondly, to the Jew, the sea is a place of great danger. It is to be feared. To be cast into the sea with a millstone round your neck would be an unspeakable horror to anyone.
So, teachers and preachers beware – however, in my personal experience, the discouragement does not always come from the teacher, but from someone in the congregation or bible study group. I have seen people speak in ignorance or arrogance, either speaking from beyond their own knowledge and experience, or simply failing to notice the undermining impact of their words on others.
So be careful, says Jesus. Pay attention to what you are teaching.
42 “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea.’