What Did Jesus Say About Offending Children?

Understanding what Jesus said about offending children is crucial for anyone who wants to grasp His teachings fully.

Jesus had a lot to say about children and how we should treat them, and His words are just as relevant today as they were over 2,000 years ago.

Let’s dive into this topic to see exactly what Jesus taught.

What Did Jesus Say About Offending Children

Jesus Loves Children

First and foremost, it’s clear that Jesus loves children.

He often used them as examples in His teachings to highlight humility, innocence, and purity.

In the Gospels, Jesus welcomed children with open arms, showing His disciples and followers that children hold a special place in God’s kingdom.

Key Scripture: Matthew 18:1-6

One of the most direct teachings about children comes from Matthew 18:1-6. Here’s what happened:

The Question:

The disciples asked Jesus, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”

Jesus’ Response:

He called a little child to Him and said, “Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

The Lesson

Jesus used this moment to teach a profound lesson.

To be “great” in the kingdom of heaven, one must become like a child: humble, trusting, and pure-hearted.

But He didn’t stop there.

Jesus issued a stern warning about causing children to stumble.

A Stern Warning

In Matthew 18:6, Jesus said:

“But 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.”

What Does This Mean?

This is one of the strongest warnings in the New Testament.

Jesus emphasized the severity of leading children astray or causing them to sin.

Let’s break it down:

“Little Ones”:

This term doesn’t just refer to young children but also to those who are young in faith or vulnerable.

“Causes to Stumble”:

This means leading them into sin, causing them to doubt their faith, or harming them in any way.

The Millstone Metaphor

A millstone was a large, heavy stone used for grinding grain.

By saying it’s better for someone to have a millstone hung around their neck and be drowned than to cause a child to stumble, Jesus highlighted the gravity of the offense.

He was saying it’s an incredibly serious sin to harm or lead children astray.

Protecting the Innocent

Jesus’ teachings clearly show that protecting children and nurturing their faith is of utmost importance.

He made it clear that anyone who harms a child or leads them into sin is committing a grave offense.

Practical Applications

So, what does this mean for us today?

Here are some practical ways to apply Jesus’ teachings about children:

#1. Be a Good Role Model:

Children often imitate the adults around them.

Make sure your actions reflect kindness, integrity, and faith.

#2. Teach Them Well:

Instill good values and faith principles in children.

Read the Bible with them, pray together, and answer their questions about faith honestly.

#3. Protect Them:

Ensure children are safe from physical, emotional, and spiritual harm.

Be vigilant about who they spend time with and what influences them.

#4. Encourage Their Faith:

Support and nurture their spiritual growth.

Encourage them to participate in church activities, youth groups, and Bible studies.

The Broader Context: Luke 17:1-2

Jesus reiterated this warning in Luke 17:1-2:

“Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come. 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.”

Consistent Message

The consistency in Jesus’ message across different Gospels underscores the importance He placed on protecting children and those new in faith.

It’s a clear call to action for anyone who follows Him.

Why This Matters

Understanding Jesus’ teachings about offending children helps us see the broader picture of His ministry.

It’s not just about avoiding harm but actively fostering an environment where children can grow in faith and love.

Building a Safe Community

Creating a safe, nurturing environment for children isn’t just a nice idea—it’s a command from Jesus.

Churches, schools, and families should all strive to be places where children are protected and loved.

Reflecting God’s Love

By caring for children, we reflect God’s love.

Jesus’ compassion for the young and vulnerable is a model for how we should live our lives.

It’s about embodying the values of the kingdom of heaven: humility, protection, and unconditional love.

Conclusion

Jesus’ teachings about offending children are clear and uncompromising.

He loves children and has issued a strong warning against causing them harm or leading them into sin.

For those who follow Jesus, this means being vigilant, compassionate, and proactive in nurturing and protecting the youngest and most vulnerable among us.

By doing so, we not only follow His teachings but also help build a community that truly reflects the values of the kingdom of heaven.

So, let’s take this message to heart and ensure we’re doing everything we can to support and protect the children in our lives.

FAQs on What Jesus Say About Offending Children

#1. What did Jesus say about causing children to stumble?

Jesus said that anyone who causes a child or someone young in faith to stumble or sin would be better off having a large millstone hung around their neck and being drowned in the sea.

This stern warning, found in Matthew 18:6 and Luke 17:1-2, highlights the seriousness of leading children astray.

#2. Why did Jesus use children as examples in His teachings?

Jesus used children as examples to illustrate the qualities necessary to enter the kingdom of heaven.

He emphasized humility, purity, and a trusting nature, which are often seen in children, to teach His followers about the values they should embody.

#3. What does “causing a child to stumble” mean?

“Causing a child to stumble” means leading them into sin, causing them to doubt their faith, or harming them in any way.

It includes both physical harm and spiritual or emotional damage.

#4. How can we protect children according to Jesus’ teachings?

To protect children according to Jesus’ teachings, we should:

Be good role models.
Teach them well by instilling good values and faith principles.
Ensure their safety from physical, emotional, and spiritual harm.
Encourage and support their faith and spiritual growth.

#5. Why is it important to protect children and new believers?

Protecting children and new believers is important because they are vulnerable and impressionable.

Leading them astray or causing them harm can have long-lasting negative effects on their faith and well-being.

Jesus emphasized the need to safeguard their innocence and nurture their spiritual growth.

#6. What are some practical ways to apply Jesus’ teachings about children today?

Practical ways to apply Jesus’ teachings about children include:

Being a good role model in your actions and words.
Teaching children biblical values and faith principles.
Creating a safe environment where they can grow and learn.
Encouraging their participation in church activities and faith-based groups.

#7. How do Jesus’ teachings about children relate to the broader context of His ministry?

Jesus’ teachings about children reflect His overall ministry of compassion, protection, and nurturing.

By emphasizing the importance of caring for the young and vulnerable, He highlighted the values of the kingdom of heaven and called His followers to embody those values in their lives.

#8. What is the significance of the millstone metaphor in Jesus’ warning?

The millstone metaphor signifies the severity of causing harm to children or leading them into sin.

A millstone is a large, heavy stone used for grinding grain, and Jesus’ use of this imagery underscores the grave consequences of such actions, indicating that it’s a serious offense in God’s eyes.

#9. How can churches and families create a nurturing environment for children?

Churches and families can create a nurturing environment for children by:

Providing a safe and welcoming space.
Offering age-appropriate faith-based education and activities.
Encouraging positive relationships and mentorship.
Supporting parents and caregivers in their role of nurturing children’s faith.

#10. What does it mean to reflect God’s love in the way we treat children?

Reflecting God’s love in the way we treat children means showing them compassion, kindness, and protection.

It involves nurturing their growth, both spiritually and emotionally, and ensuring they feel valued and loved.

By doing so, we demonstrate the unconditional love that God has for all His children.