But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.
Matthew 18:6
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A millstone
Jesus speaks here about 'one of these little ones' who trust in him. That means children, but also people who are just beginning to believe, or who are vulnerable. Whoever makes them stumble will have to answer to Jesus himself.
The image is shocking. The text literally says a donkey millstone: a stone so heavy that it took a donkey to turn it. Jesus doesn't save his harshest words for sinners who come looking for help, but for those who bring someone else down in their faith.
Question for today
Is there anyone for whom I make believing harder than it needs to be?
Prayer
Lord, you protect the vulnerable. Keep me from making anyone stumble. Make me caring towards those who are small. Amen.
My prayer
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