Matthew 18:1-7

Who Is the Most Important Person in the Kingdom?

1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus. They asked him, "Who is the most important person in the kingdom of heaven?"

2 Jesus called a little child over to him. He had the child stand among them.

3 Jesus said, "What I'm about to tell you is true. You need to change and become like little children. If you don't, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

4 Anyone who becomes as free of pride as this child is the most important in the kingdom of heaven.

5 "Anyone who welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me.

6 "But what if someone leads one of these little ones who believe in me to sin? If he does, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and be drowned at the bottom of the sea.

7 "How terrible it will be for the world because of the things that lead people to sin! Things like that must come. But how terrible for those who cause them!