Matthew 18:1-13 ▼

1 At that time came the disciples to Jesus, saying, Who is to be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?

2 And Jesus calling to Him a little child, set it in the midst of them,

3 and said, Verily I declare unto you, unless ye be converted, and become like little children, ye shall never enter into the kingdom of heaven.

4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, he shall be greatest in the kingdom of heaven:

5 and whoever shall receive one such little child for my sake, receiveth me:

6 but whosoever shall lay a stumbling-block in the way of one of these little ones, who believe in me, it were better for him that a milstone were hung on his neck, and that he were thrown into the sea.

7 Wo will be to the world from such offenses; for it is of necessity that offenses come: but wo to that man by whom the offense cometh.

8 If then thy hand or thy foot cause thee to offend, cut them off and cast them from thee; it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire:

9 and if thine eye cause thee to offend, pluck it out and cast it from thee; it is better for thee to enter into life with but one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell-fire.

10 See that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I tell you, that their angels in heaven do continually appear in the presence of my father, who is in heaven:

11 for the Son of man came from thence to save that which was lost.

12 What think ye? if any man had an hundred sheep, and one of them should go astray, would he not leave the ninety and nine, and go upon the hills, and seek that which is gone astray?

13 And if he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more on account of that, than of the ninety nine which went not astray.