Slices
Prepare
Think of a Christian you admire and aspire to be like. What is it about them that is so appealing? Hold on to those thoughts.
Bible passage
The greatest in the kingdom of heaven
18 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’
2 He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. 3 And he said: ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.
Causing to stumble
6 ‘If anyone causes one of these little ones – those who believe in me – to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung round their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. 7 Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come! 8 If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire. 9 And if your eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell.
Explore
The disciples were preoccupied with status and importance (v 1). Jesus said they had to turn their attitudes around and become like the child he called over (v 2). Imagine being there with the disciples. What do you think their response was? What aspect of becoming like a child do you want to embrace in your walk with Jesus?
Children in Jesus’ day had no status. They were unimportant. What Jesus was saying was radical. The disciples had to give up thoughts of importance and become as unimportant as that child. If they were able to do that, and to openly welcome other ‘children’ (fellow believers in Jesus), then they would be great in God’s kingdom.
Look at verses 6 and 7. Jesus is talking about the vulnerability of Christians in the world. What are the implications of these verses for our behaviour towards other Christians?
Jesus continues the theme of sin and stumbling in verses 8 and 9. He used a method of exaggeration, popular at the time, to stress the seriousness of sin. How do these verses link with verses 6 and 7? Notice the seriousness with which Jesus is treating sin (v 9). Do we treat sin seriously, as Jesus does?
Respond
Pray for those in your Christian community who are particularly vulnerable to stumbling. Pray that others will be sensitive and avoid putting stumbling blocks in their way.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Isaiah 55,56; Hebrews 10
Pray for Scripture Union
Pray for Mission Enabler Matt Farley as he works on the Mission Sparks podcasts. Pray that more people will discover the series and would be sparked into mission in their own communities. Ask that an interactive and supportive community would form around the content of the podcasts.
A child has started following Jesus. Help them keep growing.
A child's decision to trust Jesus is a moment to celebrate, but it's also the beginning of a lifelong journey of discipleship. Journey to the Sacred Kingdom helps children aged 5–8 discover what it means to know God through his Word, grow in faith and walk with Jesus every day.
Following the adventures of Rock and River, children explore key Bible stories, discover who the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are and begin developing everyday faith habits through engaging reflections, colourful comics and interactive activities.
Give the young believers in your care a strong biblical foundation from the very beginning.
✓ Help new believers grow in God's Word
Introduce children to foundational biblical truths in a way they can understand, helping them build confidence in knowing God and following Jesus.
✓ Encourage faith that lasts beyond a single decision
Support children as they develop habits of prayer, Bible reading and trusting God, laying foundations for a lifelong relationship with Christ.
✓ A trusted discipleship resource for church and home
Perfect for parents, grandparents, children's leaders and churches seeking a biblically rooted follow-up resource after holiday clubs, children's ministry, family events, baptism or other moments when a child begins their journey with Jesus.
