Matthew 18:1–10

Instruction About Humility

Mark 9:33–37; Luke 9:46–48

18At ^athat time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”

²Then Jesus called a little ^bchild to Him, set him in the midst of them, ³and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, ^cunless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. ^4dTherefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. ^5eWhoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.

Punishment of Offenders

Mark 9:42–48

^6f“Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea. ⁷Woe to the world because of ¹offenses! For ^goffenses must come, but ^hwoe to that man by whom the offense comes!

⁸ⁱ“If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life lame or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into the everlasting fire. ⁹And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into ²hell fire.

¹⁰“Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven ^jtheir angels always ^ksee the face of My Father who is in heaven.