What is the millstone award?

from the old testament

• The millstone award and reference is not found in the Old Testament.

from the new testament

• Matthew 18 opens with the disciples arguing about which one of them is greater in the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:1). To rebuke them, Jesus brought a child, saying “unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” and “Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:2–3). His point was that humility, not prominence, was the requirement for greatness in God’s kingdom.
• Jesus used the child to illustrate believers and the simple faith required to enter heaven; when he continues to talk about “little ones,” he is referring to believers. Specifically, those with a simple faith and who, like little children, are spiritually vulnerable. He said, “whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea” (Matthew 18:6).
• A millstone was a large and heavy stone used for grinding grain. It often required multiple men to lift and move it (cf. Revelation 18:21). Being thrown into the water with one of these meant being immediately pulled to the bottom and held there until dead. Jesus was saying that would have been better than God’s judgment against those who harm believers, particularly the vulnerable.
• While Jesus was not specifically talking about the judgment for harming actual children, because they are the foundation of His illustration, and because Scripture regularly talks about children as vulnerable and in need of protection (Matthew 19:14; cf. Psalm 82:3–4), it is not a stretch to see that Jesus might suggest something similar for those who harm actual children. It is this implication that gives rise to people “giving” the millstone award to those who harm kids.

implications for today

Because we are all created in God’s image (Genesis 1:26–27), we are of equal value, and God hates someone who devalues someone else (Exodus 22:22–24). Children are particularly vulnerable to abuse, being weak and unable to defend themselves from aggressors. They are also overly trusting and therefore easy to manipulate. Jesus used them as His example of believers, illustrating the simplicity and humility of belief and the reality that someone who doesn’t know much Scripture is easy to adversely influence.

Because God hates those who take advantage of the vulnerable, one can only imagine the judgment awaiting those who promote the killing of unborn children or who sexually assault their child or who use their kids to sell drugs. The world is filled with many evils, but using children for one’s own pleasure and gain is high on that list.

Drowning is not a pleasant experience, yet Jesus said those who take advantage of the vulnerable would be better off brutally drowned than facing God’s judgment. Does reading this fill you with horror, realizing He may have been talking about you? Don’t despair! We have all sinned and are born facing God’s wrath (Romans 6:23), but because you are alive, you can know that God has delayed your judgment to give you time to repent (2 Peter 3:9). Do so now. Jesus’ death on the cross can cover any sin. No matter how great your sin is, God’s forgiveness is even greater (Romans 5:20).

Acknowledge that you are a sinner and that what you have done deserves His wrath. Then turn away from your sin and trust in Jesus as your only hope of escape. Jesus promises not to turn away any who repent (John 6:37). Not any! Turn now while there is still time!