Mark

Jesus Hates Pedophilia

Bryan Schneider
June 3, 2023
Mark 9:42-50

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"But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were…

  • Jesus fiercely defends children and warns that anyone who ensnares or harms a little one faces severe divine judgment.
  • The repeated language of causing someone to stumble joins the warning about little ones to Jesus' commands for radical removal of sin.
  • The sermon applies this passage especially to the sexual exploitation of children while acknowledging its wider call to remove every occasion of sin.
  • A child who has been abused is not at fault; responsibility belongs to the person who used power, secrecy, bribery, threats, or manipulation to cause harm.
  • Children should tell a safe adult when someone harms or frightens them, and adults and churches must listen, protect, and take disclosures seriously.
  • Radical repentance requires stopping harmful conduct, removing access and opportunity, telling the truth, accepting accountability, and involving civil authorities rather than concealing abuse.
  • Church unity must never become an excuse to protect offenders, silence victims, or hide abuse; the congregation is called to protect children with Christlike courage.

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