What Jesus Did! 'No Stumbling Blocks Accepted' — Mark 9:42

Thursday, June 27, 2024

[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 be thrown into the sea with a large millstone hung around your neck."
— Mark 9:42 NLT

Key Thought

So often in our passion to preserve the purity of the faith, we begin to exclude others. While purity in our faith is important, Jesus reminds us of the other side of the matter: woe to us if we exclude someone who Jesus sees as belonging to him or do anything to cause another to lose faith. New Christians, weak believers, and children are all precious to God. He doesn't want a single one to lose faith for any reason and certainly not because of the hardheadedness, hardheartedness, or arrogance of another believer.

Today's Prayer

God, please help me be more careful in what I say and how I act. I don't want to discourage a single believer from following you. Help my life, my words, and my actions to be an encouragement rather than a discouragement to your people. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Hebrews 12:13
  • Romans 14:20
  • 1 Corinthians 8:9

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Illustration

Illustration of Mark 9:42 NLT — [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 be thrown into the sea with a large millstone hung around your neck."

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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