ESOCS Devotional 3 January 2026 – Do Not Be Stumbling Block
MEMORY VERSE: “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the door of the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to.” Matthew 23:13 NIV
TEXT: MATTHEW 23:13-22
But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.
14 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.
15 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.
16 Woe unto you, ye blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor!
17 Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold?
18 And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty.
19 Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift?
20 Whoso therefore shall swear by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things thereon.
21 And whoso shall swear by the temple, sweareth by it, and by him that dwelleth therein.
22 And he that shall swear by heaven, sweareth by the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon.
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In Matthew 23:13, Jesus speaks with righteous anger against the religious leaders of His time. Instead of guiding people into a relationship with God, they became stumbling blocks obstructing the way with their hypocrisy, legalism, and pride. They claimed spiritual authority but used it to control, judge, and mislead, ultimately keeping seekers from entering the Kingdom of God. This warning is just as relevant today. We are called to live in a way that draws others toward God, not away from Him.
A stumbling block is anything – our words, attitudes or actions that cause someone else to turn from Christ or become discouraged in their spiritual journey. Romans 14:13 warns believers: “Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.” It is not enough to avoid obvious sins; we must also consider how our behaviour influences others. Are we helping others grow in faith or are we hindering them with our criticism, self-righteousness, or double standards? Jesus also said in Luke 17:1–2: “Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come. It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble.” These are serious words. They show how deeply Jesus values spiritual integrity and the influence we have on others.
Being a stumbling block often stems from hypocrisy – professing faith but living contrary to God’s ways. The Pharisees in Matthew 23 preached righteousness but failed to live it. They burdened others with heavy rules but did not lift a finger to help (Matthew 23:4). Jesus calls us instead to a life of humility, grace, and truth. In 1 Corinthians 8:9, Paul addresses the issue of freedom: “Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak.” Mature believers are called to consider the impact of their choices on those who are still growing in faith.
Practical ways to avoid being a stumbling block
- Live Authentically – Let your life reflect your faith in speech, conduct, and love (1 Tim. 4:12).
- Show Grace – Be patient with others’ spiritual journeys, just as God is patient with yours.
- Watch Your Influence – Be mindful of how your behaviour, especially in public or online, affects others.
- Lead by Example – Instead of judging, model Christ-like love and service.
Reflections
- Are there ways your actions or attitudes may hinder others’ faith?
- What does it mean for you to be a stepping-stone instead of a stumbling block?
- Who in your life might need encouragement rather than judgment today?
Prayer
- Lord, help me never to become a stumbling block to others. Teach me to live with humility and grace. May my life lead people toward you, not away. Make me a light in a dark world, pointing others to the hope and truth found in Jesus. Amen.
Further Reading: Isaiah 1:10-20; 14:3-15; Revelation 17:7- End
ESOCS Devotional 3 January 2026
