In these nine verses the word sin is mentioned four times, in these nine verses the word hell is mentioned three times and death drowning. Jesus uses strong language about sin and hell in these verses. We must pay attention to what he says.

This passage of scripture is for us to take seriously. But for us to understand it clearly, we need to look back at verses 38-41. As Josh shared with us last week. The disciples argued over who was greatest among them. Being lifted in pride. Thinking they were greater than each other. But then John confessed they had stopped a group from casting out demons in Jesus’ name because they were not part of them. Not only pride in the group but it is also pride about the group and no one else can do what they do. Jesus rebukes them by telling them if they are not against us they are for us. Do not stop them. He goes on to say even if someone is giving a simple cup of water in my name. You receive him. From casting out demons to giving something to drink. You receive them. The reason we will not receive them is because we think we are greater than them. We have a pride problem.

Verses 42-50 are bookended, the first, do not cause one of these little ones to stumble. The other is, be at peace with one another. We cannot separate this passage from the previous passage. Jesus is continuing to address the pride of the disciples revealed in how they do not receive people and think we are greater.

For sermon notes, click here.