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

Sunday, October 1, 2023

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

  • James 1:13-15
  • Romans 14:13
  • 1 Corinthians 8:8-9

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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.

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.

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