Matthew 18:3-5

18:3 and said, “I tell you the truth, ¹  unless you turn around and become like little children, ²  you will never ³  enter the kingdom of heaven! 18:4 Whoever then humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 18:5 And whoever welcomes ⁴  a child like this in my name welcomes me.

Matthew 18:10

The Parable of the Lost Sheep

18:10 “See that you do not disdain one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.

Matthew 18:14

18:14 In the same way, your Father in heaven is not willing that one of these little ones be lost.

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¹ tn Grk “Truly (ἀμήν, amhn), I say to you.”

² sn The point of the comparison become like little children has more to do with a child’s trusting spirit, as well as willingness to be dependent and receive from others, than any inherent humility the child might possess.

³ tn The negation in Greek (οὐ μή, ou mh) is very strong here.

⁴ tn This verb, δέχομαι (decomai), is a term of hospitality (L&N 34.53).