Morning Brew: Wednesday, Sept 30

Are you helping or hindering little ones from coming into the Kingdom? Twice in Luke 17-18 Jesus speaks on a topic that was not often discussed in that day: children. To most today, first century views on children would come across as neglectful at best and downright evil at worst. From all the commentaries I’ve read, paternal affection was not held as a cultural virtue. Children were to be seen and not heard. ‘Exposing’ infants was common (the act of abandoning a baby to the elements after birth if you did not want it).

So Jesus’ words seem that much more bizarre when you know the culture he was speaking to:

1 Jesus said to his disciples: “Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come. 2 It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble. 3 So watch yourselves. Luke 17:1-3

Jesus has special condemnation for those who cause little ones to stumble. Those who take the innocence of young girls in Asia. Those in Africa who kidnap young boys and force them into roving armies as ‘child soldiers.’ To the parent(s) who through neglect, narcissism or poor choices condemn a child to the consequences of their bad decisions. Recently I read an article online where a four-year-old girl in Texas was diagnosed with adult onset type 2 diabetes from extreme overeating and lack of diet control by the parents. For the rest of her life, this young girl will suffer because of a lack of parenting by those entrusted with her care.

Jesus’ threat may seem a bit bland because we don’t have millstones today, but they were extremely heavy rounded stones used to grind corn or grain. Using terminology today, Jesus says it would be better for someone to be thrown into the deepest part of the ocean with a bouquet of cement blocks tied to their feet than to cause little ones to stumble. Sound harsh? It should.

Jesus cares for the young, the defenseless, and so should we. When we hear stories of abuse or neglect, it should rile us into action. Whether they live in your house or not, you have little ones in your circle of influence. Are you protective or passive? When it comes to the defenseless ones, are you characterized more by action or apathy? Are you helping or hindering little ones from coming into the Kingdom?

QUESTION FOR DISCUSSION: Who helped you towards the Kingdom when you were a child?