Articles
Millstone Necktie
Do You Want to Try on a Millstone Necktie?
"Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe 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.”
Mt. 18:6
According to Matthew, Jesus used a little child to introduce his thought, but in the verse quoted above, Jesus does not seem to be referring to children, but rather to disciples of his. These are his “little ones which believe in me” [see also the context of this saying in Mk 9:42 and Lk 17:2]. Jesus could foresee that the great problem among his followers would be their lack of concern for one another, running over their brethren, taking advantage of them, and even causing them to sin. Yet it is striking how men can read this sternest and most explicit warning from our Lord and Savior, then promptly turn and despise or abuse a weak or struggling brother or sister “IN HIS NAME!”
The problem is as old as Cain, who in seeming defiance asked Jehovah, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” It was not long until he received God’s answer. We DO have a responsibility to our brothers and sisters [“especially toward them that are of the household of faith”] - to hold them in special esteem because they are brethren, to bear their burdens, to restore them from their trespasses, to look out for their souls [Gal. 6:1-10]. It ought to bring joy to our hearts that Jesus loves those who are new in the faith, those who may not be as knowledgeable, those who are weak and struggling, and he instructs us to protect and nourish them. We have all needed that patient nurturing at one time or another, and, if the truth be told, we all need it now – at least in some aspect of our lives. We are ALL Jesus’ “little children” in that we are still growing to maturity in him, with a long way yet to go.
It is worth noting that such privileges of protection and nurturing are found “in Christ.” In his body, his “little ones” find shelter and sustenance. This earnest care for one another is the hallmark of Christ’s church. “By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” [Jn 13:35]. On another occasion, when Jesus emphasized the coming judgment of God, he said a fundamental question will be whether we have provided for “the least of these my brethren”, or whether we have neglected them [Mt. 25].
How may we put stumbling blocks in the way of our brethren? What if we, acting in pride, refuse to overlook [or if necessary, forgive] their weaknesses? Put them down because they don’t “know the scriptures” like we do. Harass them about their position to the point of discouragement and driving them away. Or maybe we just show them, in our congregation, an atmosphere of bickering and nitpicking every word or action we disagree with.
Jesus does not make empty threats! Those who trip up, tear down, or drive off their brethren will be severely judged. When we engage in such behaviors, he says it is better to have a millstone tied around your neck, and be thrown in the sea. Let us all seek the good of our brothers and sisters, and take no position, display no attitude, create no atmosphere that may cause their stumbling or discouragement.
Larry Walker, Feb 2009
- The_Millstone_Necktie.doc (35.84 kB)
