But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in
William MacDonald warns that causing spiritual harm to vulnerable believers is a grievous offense against Christ, deserving severe condemnation.
In this powerful sermon, William MacDonald explores Jesus’ stern warning about offending 'little ones' who believe in Him. He unpacks the severe consequences of causing spiritual harm to vulnerable believers, using vivid illustrations to highlight the gravity of such offenses. MacDonald calls Christians to a high standard of responsibility and godly conduct to protect the faith of others and avoid leading them into sin.
Text
“But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” (Mt. 18:6)
It would be difficult to imagine a more effective and foolproof method of drowning than this. The millstone here was not the small one that was operated by hand, but the great one that was turned by an ass. To have a millstone like that secured around one’s neck would mean speedy and inescapable drowning.
At first we might be startled by the vehemence of the Savior’s words. He seems to thunder out with unusual condemnation against the sin of offending a little one. What is it that provokes such anger?
Let us take an illustration! Here is a minister of the Gospel who has a constant line of people coming to him for counseling. Among them is a young person who is enslaved by some sexual sin. This young person needs help—desperately. He (or she) looks to the minister as one in whom he can have confidence, as one who will help him find the way of deliverance. But instead of that, the minister finds himself inflamed with passion, he makes improper advances, and soon he has led his counselee back into immorality. The young person is shattered by this betrayal of trust and is thoroughly disillusioned by the religious world. It may be that he is crippled spiritually for the rest of his life.
Or the offender may be a college professor who labors tirelessly to rob his students of whatever faith they may have. By sowing doubts and denials, he undermines the authority of the Scriptures and attacks the Person of our Lord.
Again it may be a Christian whose behavior stumbles a young believer. Overstepping the fine line between liberty and license, he is seen engaging in some questionable activity. The young Christian interprets his behavior as acceptable Christian conduct and leaves the path of godly separation to plunge into a life of worldliness and compromise.
We should be solemnly warned by the words of the Savior that it is a tremendously serious thing to contribute to the ethical, moral or spiritual delinquency of a minor who belongs to Him. Better to drown in literal water than to drown in a sea of guilt, disgrace and remorse for causing one of His little ones to fall into sin.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Explanation of the millstone metaphor
- Severity of the punishment described
- Context of Jesus’ strong condemnation
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II
- Illustration of a minister betraying trust
- Impact on a young person enslaved by sin
- Spiritual damage caused by such offense
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III
- Example of a professor undermining faith
- Effect on students’ belief and trust
- Danger of sowing doubt about Scripture
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IV
- Christian stumbling a young believer
- Consequences of questionable conduct
- Call to godly separation and responsibility
Key Quotes
“Better to drown in literal water than to drown in a sea of guilt, disgrace and remorse for causing one of His little ones to fall into sin.” — William MacDonald
“It would be difficult to imagine a more effective and foolproof method of drowning than this.” — William MacDonald
“He seems to thunder out with unusual condemnation against the sin of offending a little one.” — William MacDonald
Application Points
- Guard your conduct carefully to avoid causing others to stumble in their faith.
- Be vigilant in protecting and nurturing the spiritual well-being of younger or weaker believers.
- Repent immediately and seek restoration if you have caused spiritual harm to someone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to offend 'little ones' in this context?
It refers to causing spiritual harm or leading young or vulnerable believers into sin or doubt.
Why does Jesus use such strong language about offending little ones?
Because the spiritual damage done to vulnerable believers is severe and has long-lasting consequences.
How can Christians avoid offending others spiritually?
By living responsibly, maintaining godly conduct, and protecting the faith of those more vulnerable.
What is the significance of the millstone imagery?
It illustrates the inescapable and severe judgment awaiting those who cause others to stumble.
Can a Christian recover after offending a little one?
Yes, through repentance, seeking forgiveness, and making restitution where possible.