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. Matthew 18:6 KJV
The disciples had been arguing with one another and eventually brought their question to Jesus. They wanted to know which of them was the greatest. Jesus answered by taking a small child and equating greatness with the humility of children. He then spoke about the high regard He has for them. The Lord so highly values children He says do whatever is necessary to ourselves to keep from harming them: self mutilation is better than child abuse, killing ourselves is better than killing our children. Sounds very drastic but in light of the day we live, it is certainly an appropriate and much needed message. We are to make children our priority, so they are nurtured not neglected and treasured not abused.
Lord, Your words sound a severe warning to the time I live in when children are neglected, forsaken, abused, and often destroyed for the sake of our own pleasures. Help me and help us as a people to give our children the attention, affection, and protection they need and deserve.
