Note: This series is written as a first-person narrative in order to present Jesus in the context he walked in with the unknown disciple that narrates presenting my thoughts and sparking more thoughts with his questions. Enjoy.
With the child still beside him, Jesus continued, the hard-bitten edge to his words causing me to flinch.
“If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea. If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out. And if your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, where
“‘the worms that eat them do not die,
and the fire is not quenched.’
Everyone will be salted with fire.
“Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with each other.”
We looked at each other, knowing he didn’t mean literal amputations, but understanding the seriousness of getting rid of anything that causes you to stumble. It can have the side effect of making another person fall who watches us or listens to us. For that, we were liable.
Matthew 18:7-9; Mark 9:42-50
A Ronin's Journey 