Mark 9:30-

Jesus took His disciples on a walk to spend time with just them, so He could prepare them for what was coming - He would die. He would rise again.  "But they did not understand this statement and they were afraid to ask Him."   Afraid?  To ask Jesus?  He had rebuked Peter when he had tried to rebuke Him... ( Mark 8:32-33)  But, they were together with Jesus and He was clearly laying it out before them.  Why not ask the questions?

Instead, it appears that they withdrew a bit as they walked and began discussing which of them "was the greatest".  When Jesus asked them what they had been discussing, they were silent.. a bit embarrassed, maybe?  But, gently and firmly, Jesus takes a child and sets him before the twelve and holds the child in His arms.  "Whoever receives one child like this in My name, receives Me; and whoever receives Me does not receive Me but Him who sent Me."  In God's kingdom there is a different order of things.. God's priorities are not what we think.  Receiving a child like Jesus was doing right in front of their faces... precious!

This is greatness, Jesus explains.. being last, being a servant.. even serving a small child.   Still holding this child, Jesus says, "And whoever causes one of these little ones who believe to stumble, it would be better for him if, with a heavy millstone hung around his neck, he had been cast into the sea. 

Don't cause a child of God to stumble, but instead serve him.  Don't allow yourself to stumble either, Jesus tells us.   A hand, a foot, or an eye - can cause you to stumble.  Stumble - trip up, entrap, entice, fall, offend - cause of sin. Sin brings death and death in sin leads to hell. ".. where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched."  What causes us to stumble?  James wrote, "But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust, then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.  Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren."  Don't be deceived and  don't stumble... put aside all "filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted which is able to save you souls." James continues. ( James 1:14-21)  Be a doer of the word.

To be a doer of the Word - receive a child, take every possible action to not stumble, don't cause anyone else to stumble... serve.  Give a drink of water in Jesus' name.  Be salt... be what is good.. be at peace with each other. SERVE.

Father in heaven, teach me Your ways O Lord and lead me in Your paths of righteousness. You are gracious and merciful, slow to anger and great in lovingkindness.  You are good to all and Your mercies are over all Your works.   Sustain us. Our desire is to do Your will.  Thank You for the truth of Your word that says, " He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him." ( Psalm 145:19)  You love us and keep us.  You own us. We are Yours and give ourselves to obey You. In the name of Jesus we come. Amen.