102nd Post Jesus Said on Children - Matthew 18: 5 - 6

Matthew 18: 5 - 6; Mark 9:37, 42; Luke 9:48, 17:2
Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me. But whoever causes one of these little ones who believes in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
From where this passage is found in Matthew (and the other Gospels), you know this happened toward the end of Jesus earthly ministry. If you look at the beginning of chapter 18, the disciples are arguing about which one of them is the greatest. They bring their argument to Jesus to have Him settle it. Jesus calls a child from the group, put this child in center of them (the disciples) and says whoever receives one little child in My name receives Me. On the surface, it looks like Jesus is changing the subject and not answering their question. But, if you look deeper, Jesus was saying it is not about who is greater, it is about doing the work of My Father. Who is the greatest? That is pride talking. When you are full of yourself, you can not be full of God also! Jesus told them "If anyone would come after Me, he must first deny (humble) opposite of pride, himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me. (Luke 9:23). Keep focusing on God, Jesus also told us that we are not to make one who believes in Him to sin. This is easy for us to do, because they watch our every move and try to model after us, instead of Jesus. Jesus is always the model to follow, He will never let you down.