He took a little child whom he placed among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me…”

“If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea.  Mark 9:36-37,42

            Jesus had some harsh words about people who hurt or misled children.  Obviously a sexual predator or child molester would not be welcomed in the kingdom of God.  However, Jesus’ words go deeper than just molestation.  His warning of child abuse extends to singers, celebrities, teachers, advertisers, drug dealers, politicians who all cause little children to stumble in their faith.

            Anyone who willfully hurts children—their minds, bodies and souls—receives a harsh treatment from Jesus.  But, if that person repents and surrenders his or her life to Jesus, they will be forgiven.