What Jesus Did! 'How Terrible!' — Matthew 18:6-7

Thursday, August 21, 2025

[Jesus continued,] "But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea.

"What sorrow awaits the world, because it tempts people to sin. Temptations are inevitable, but what sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting."

— Matthew 18:6-7 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus is telling us to be sensitive to the vulnerability of others, especially those among us who are weak, forgotten, and neglected. Of course, he didn't just preach it; he lived it. Extreme measures are to be used to keep from causing one of these "little ones" to stumble and fall. For Jesus and his followers, it is a very serious and horrific matter to cause the sinful downfall of another.

His language is extreme. His warning is heartfelt. The "little ones" among us are extremely valuable to him and should be to us. It would be better to be drowned in the sea than to face Jesus having caused another to fall. Jesus cares deeply about the lost and died to redeem us. He surely doesn't want us contributing to others' losing their way.

Today's Prayer

Father, use me redemptively to help bring others back to you and to be careful about my influence. I don't want to lead others astray by my actions or by my words. Give me an undivided heart, a clear witness reflecting your character, and a deeper concern for those my actions may impact. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

4 Related Resources by Heartlight

Sticking with God's Ideal
Article by Paul Faulkner
Why do we not fight harder to stick with God's ideal? Paul reminds us of God's plan for marriage, without divorce; so let's fight to keep it.
Radical Community
Article by Phil Ware
Does community like this actually exist? Phil Ware looks at Matthew 18 and radical community in our churches.
I Need More Than Me!
Article by Phil Ware
We were not made to do this discipleship thing alone. Phil Ware continues his series on experiencing God through Jesus, Immanuel, this time focusing upon our need for spiritual community, family, fellowship.
Immanuel: In Spiritual Family
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Beloved, I began yesterday to share with you the four Immanuel passages in the book of Matthew. Recall that Immanuel is the name given to Me in...."

Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 18:6-7 NLT — "But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea. "

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Thursday, August 21, 2025

Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Opposition Can't Stop the Message or the Joy!'
"When the Gentiles heard [that the Good News of Jesus would come to them], they were very glad and thanked the Lord for his message; and all who were...."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Richard Baxter:
"The longer you delay, the more your sin gets strength and rooting. If you cannot bend a twig, how will you be able to bend it when it is a tree?"
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'My Precious Temple!'
"Dear Beloved, As Paul used his letter to address the rivalries and divisions among My followers in Corinth, he pointed to four truths that I want you..."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Avoid People Who Cause Divisions' (Ro. 16:17-18)
"I urge you, my friends: watch out for those who cause divisions and upset people's faith and go against the teaching which you have received. Keep..."

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!