What Jesus Did! 'Don't Cause the 'Little Ones' to Sin' — Luke 17:1-2

Sunday, October 1, 2023

Celebrating 30 Years of Heartlight!

See highlights from 30 years of Heartlight and plans for the future of this ministry.

 30 Years of Heartlight
One day Jesus said to his disciples, "There will always be temptations to sin, but what sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting! It would be better to be thrown into the sea with a millstone hung around your neck than to cause one of these little ones to fall into sin."
— Luke 17:1-2 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus wants us to be aware that temptation is real, dangerous, and personal. However, it is far worse for us to be the source of someone else's temptation and sin than to have to face just our own. Our sin matters in every way; it matters more, however, when we bring others down with us.

Today's Prayer

Father, thank you for strengthening me and helping me to withstand the onslaught of temptation. Father, I never want to be a stumbling block to someone else. Guide my steps, please dear Lord, so that I will not stumble or fall. Guide my influence, dear Father, so that it does only good and never harm. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

2 Related Resources by Heartlight

One of the Hardest 'Miracles'
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Disciple, What's the hardest miracle to perform? I know many of you would love to see some great miracle of your selection to help you believe....."
Jerks and the Secret of Sturdy Faith
Article by Larry Davies
How in the world do we really overcome resentment? Resentment kills us, but forgiveness allows us to exercise a growing faith like a mustard tree and let God do the impossible within us.

Illustration

Illustration of Luke 17:1-2 NLT — It would be better to be thrown into the sea with a millstone hung around your neck than to cause one of these little ones to fall into sin.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Sunday, October 1, 2023

Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'The People Gladly Followed' (Ju. 5:2-3)
"Israel's leaders took charge, and the people gladly followed. Praise the Lord! Listen you kings! Pay attention, you mighty rulers! For I will sing to...."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Exile as Preparation for God’s Future'
"[Stephen continued talking about Moses in his defense before the council:] When Moses heard that [his killing of an Egyptian was known among the..."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Receive the Breath of Heaven'
"Dear Disciple, Mary Magdalene, Peter, John, and a couple of disciples on the road to Emmaus weren't the only ones to meet Me on that first day of My...."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Proverbs 20:7
"The righteous man leads a blameless life; blessed are his children after him."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!