Matthew 18:1-14
The world revels in great things. The disciples are not altogether free from that spirit. They want to know who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. The Lord, however, replies that the important thing is to enter, and in order to do that one needs to be small. In order to impress this teaching firmly on their spirit, He calls a little child and sets him in the midst of them. Perhaps we have young children around us. They too are set among us as models of confidence and simplicity. Let us be careful not to despise them because of their weakness, their ignorance and their simplicity. And even more, let us avoid stumbling them. The bad example of an older brother is the worst of snares which can be put before the steps of young Christians. The Lord Jesus then repeats here what He has already said on the subject of being stumbled (cf. vv. 8, 9; Matthew 5:29-30).
Far indeed from despising these little ones, God meets their weakness with special care. Angels are charged with watching over them. And let us not forget that the Lord Jesus has come to save them (v. 11); they are placed under the benefit of His work if they die without having attained the age of responsibility. The parable of the lost sheep teaches us the value of one of these lambs to the good Shepherd.