Studies by Book
Luke 17 1-2 Children and the kingdom of God 01 Do not offend children
📖 Luke 17:1-2
09Jun2020 - *Do not offend children* - _Luke 17:1-2_ - _Matthew 18:1-7, 10-14_
_Luke 17:1-2 Then He said to the disciples, "It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come! (2) It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these *little ones*._
We begin a fresh study today. After giving His teaching from the story of the rich man and Lazarus, our Lord begins the next teaching. He is pronouncing a woe’ to the person through whom offences come and especially if the offences are against children.
This matter of offences towards children is so serious before the Lord that He says that it is better that a millstone was hung around the person, who offends children and he was thrown into the sea. _Matthew 18:6 “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._
What are offences? _Matthew 16:22-23 Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, "Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!" (23) But He turned and said to Peter, "Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men."_
Just a little while prior to this incident, Peter had made a God-inspired declaration that Jesus was the Christ the Son of the living God. He seemed to be so in tune with the things of God but almost immediately, Peter rebuked Jesus, preventing Him from going to Jerusalem and going to the cross.
Peter was, suddenly, so out of tune with the things of God. Jesus had to go to the cross to die and take man’s death. For by the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, man would be reconciled with God and be brought back to his position of being regal ruler on God’s behalf over God’s creation.
The Lord looked at Peter and said, "Get behind Me, Satan!...”. Satan is against the things of God and of establishing God’s kingdom here on earth. Satan was working through Peter.
Offences before God are therefore things that are initiated by Satan for, he is against the ways of God. Offences are also expressions of Satan, operating through man.
Offences directed against children are a serious matter before God. Children hold a key and an important part in the things of God and of His kingdom. We will now get into this study on, *Children and the kingdom of God*
Instead of offending children, how should we relate with children in such a way that we care for them and build them to their full potential? It is in working, caring and building up children that we will truly be understanding and building His kingdom.
To study this subject of Children and the kingdom of God, we will move to _Matthew 18:1-7, 10-14_
*Thought to ponder*
_Matthew 18:10 “Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven._