Matthew 18:1–10

True Greatness

¹⁸At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” ²He called a child, whom he put among them, ³and said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.^{* 4}Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. ⁵Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.^*

Temptations to Sin

⁶“If any of you cause one of these little ones who believe in me to sin,^u it would be better for you if a great millstone were fastened around your neck and you were drowned in the depth of the sea.^{* 7}Woe to the world because of things that cause sin!^v Such things are bound to come, but woe to the one through whom they come!^*

⁸“If your hand or your foot causes you to sin,^w cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to enter life maimed or lame than to have two hands or two feet and to be thrown into the eternal fire.^{* 9}And if your eye causes you to sin,^x tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and to be thrown into the hell^y of fire.^*

The Parable of the Lost Sheep

¹⁰“Take care that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I tell you, in heaven their angels continually see the face of my Father in heaven.^z*