Bible Passage: “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 around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” (Matthew 18:6 NIV)
Scripture Reading: Matthew 18:1-6
Think back to when you were a boy. What kind of memories come to mind?
Maybe they involve sports, camping, climbing trees, reading adventure books, or learning how to play rock and roll on the electric guitar.
I hope all your memories are like those, but I know that’s not the truth.
Some of our memories are dark, lonely, and painful. And it’s those ones that have a huge impact and cause trauma that shape us as we move into manhood.
In Matthew 18:6, Jesus teaches that if anyone causes a little one to stumble, it would be better for them to drown themselves in the sea.
That’s an incredible statement, but in reality, it does little to bring healing to your “inner boy” who’s hurting because I doubt you have ever seen anyone actually do that.
So how does this truth statement set you free?
The answer:
We need to notice who Jesus is challenging—the adults.
He does not speak to the children and say the pain was their fault. Instead, He looks to the adults and clearly informs them of their responsibility to take care of the kids, and that failing to do so will cause Him to notice.
So here’s the truth that will set you free:
It was not your fault.
If you experienced pain as a boy, it was not your fault.
Sometimes, to be healed as a man, we need to help heal our inner boy. Like going to the doctor for a broken bone, you can bring your hurt to the One who sees you and cares for you. Let Him meet you there and speak healing to your heart.
Prayer: Jesus, thank You that You saw me when I was a boy. Bring healing to my inner boy so that I can know Your freedom as a man. Amen.
Reflection: Childhood pain is a deep wound. If you have suffered something, reach out to someone trustworthy for help. You have carried the hurt long enough.
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