"Protect the Little Ones"

N.T.#608 "Protect the Little Ones"

August 8, 2025 

Luke 17-Part 2 

LET IT GLOW 

Do you remember when traps for small animals (like rabbits, skunks) in the woods would be set using a stick to hold up a wooden box? 

Now Jesus is teaching His disciples some principles to live by concerning relationships. First, He warns against being a stumbling block for little ones. Stumbling blocks was like a stick holding open a baited trap, like a trip wire. Jesus is warning his followers against traps like pride, greed, fear, addictions, compulsions, temptations, distractions. (Swindoll)

We are not to be the reason someone falls into sin. We are not to lay traps for them, the little ones (helpless, innocent children). Those may include needy or emotionally wounded or downtrodden by life or ignorant of spiritual matters. We are not to be users, either.

LET IT GROW

It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and be cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. (verse 2)

You have probably seen pictures of a millstone used in biblical days. It was a huge, extremely heavy stone used to grind grain into flour or pressing olives into oil. 

Jesus warned of God's wrath for those who offend, abuse, hurt, or lead astray the little ones. This term can also include new believers. It is a terrible thing for children to be abused or hurt by adults. We must be warned to guard them against abuse, mentally and spiritually, as well as physically. Corruption and evil can enter homes through television and internet. We must filter and supervise what is watched. 

One time when our children were little we saw a cute little Smurf call on the name of Beelzebub, another name for Satan. We must guard their innocence. Schools can become a place where homosexuals, transgenders, and perpetrators seek to change that in our children.

It is better for a person to be drown than to face the wrath of God for such things. so be careful what we teach new Christians. Make it Truth from the Word.

LET IT GO

Open our eyes, Lord Jesus.

Help us encourage instead of hurting others.

Give us strength to stand for You and Your Word.