San Diego Chargers running back Melvin Gordon, going into his third season, said he was ‘fired up’ to play for his new coach, Anthony Lynn. He had just arrived after two strong seasons as the running backs coach in Buffalo. Gordon said via the team’s website, “He knows the game, so if he sees some wrinkles, I’ve got another set of eyes. Everyone’s got some holes in their game, and he’ll bring some wisdom to help get my game right when I need it. He’s perfect for me!”

I have never met a coach who wanted to be a stumbling block or not help his players. Experienced coaches like Lynn bring wisdom to the tactics and strategy of the game.

Luke 17 – Don’t be a Stumbling Block

After Jesus’ appeal for the religious leaders to repent in Luke 16, He turns to His followers with a negative example of the scribes and Pharisees still fresh on their minds. Jesus warns the potential leaders of His Kingdom to avoid becoming like these negative examples. Pride was characteristic of the scribes and Pharisees, while the disciples were to be marked by humility.

Jesus warns against being a stumbling block, which has the literal sense of a stick holding open a baited trap. In this context, it depicts possible believers walking along a path toward the kingdom’s entrance and falling into a trap.

While some traps might happen naturally, Jesus warns, “Don’t allow yourself to become a danger to others.” The common expression “little ones” refers to helpless children. It’s the image of those who need instruction and compassion.

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete are not perfect. But they carefully live life, so their example is positive rather than negative. They don’t abuse their liberty in Christ. They avoid offending a weaker believer (Romans 14; 1 Corinthians 8).

Journaling helps you understand and respond to the Bible. As you journal, use the acronym HEAR to Highlight, Explain, Apply, and Respond to what you have read in the reading plan.

Bible Memory Verse – “Then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains, and those who are in the midst of the city must leave, and those who are in the countryside must not enter the city; because these are days of vengeance so that all things which are written will be fulfilled.”  Luke 21:21-22 LSB

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