Matthew 18:10-20

Parable of the lost sheep

10 “Be careful that you don't look down on one of these little ones. I say to you that their angels in heaven are always looking into the face of my Father who is in heaven.
12 What do you think? If someone had one hundred sheep and one of them wandered off, wouldn't he leave the ninety-nine on the hillsides and go in search for the one that wandered off?
13 If he finds it, I assure you that he is happier about having that one sheep than about the ninety-nine who didn't wander off.
14 In the same way, my Father who is in heaven doesn't want to lose one of these little ones.

Sinning brother or sister

15 " If your brother or sister sins against you, go and correct them when you are alone together. If they listen to you, then you've won over your brother or sister.
16 But if they won't listen, take with you one or two others so that every word may be established by the mouth of two or three witnesses.
17 But if they still won't pay attention, report it to the church. If they won't pay attention even to the church, treat them as you would a Gentile and tax collector.
18 I assure you that whatever you fasten on earth will be fastened in heaven. And whatever you loosen on earth will be loosened in heaven.
19 Again I assure you that if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, then my Father who is in heaven will do it for you.
20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, I'm there with them."

Footnotes 2

  • [a]. 18:11 is omitted in most critical editions of the Gk New Testament For the Human One has come to save the lost.
  • [b]. Deut 19:15
Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible