Matthew 18:14

Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.

Even so {G3779} it is {G2076} not {G3756} the will {G2307} of {G1715} your {G5216} Father {G3962} which {G3588} is in {G1722} heaven {G3772}, that {G2443} one {G1520} of these {G5130} little ones {G3398} should perish {G622}.

Thus your Father in heaven does not want even one of these little ones to be lost.

In the same way, your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.

Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.

Commentary

Matthew 18:14 is a profound statement by Jesus, concluding His teaching on the value of every individual in God's eyes, particularly those who are humble or vulnerable in faith. This verse encapsulates the very heart of God's redemptive purpose and His deep desire for the salvation of all.

Context

This verse follows directly from Jesus' parable of the lost sheep, found in Matthew 18:12-13. In this parable, a shepherd leaves ninety-nine sheep to search for one that has gone astray. The broader context of Matthew 18 begins with the disciples asking Jesus who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven, leading to Jesus' teaching on humility (Matthew 18:4) and the severe warning against causing one of these "little ones" to stumble (Matthew 18:6). Therefore, the "little ones" refer not just to children literally, but also to new believers, those weak in faith, or humble disciples who are easily overlooked or led astray.

Key Themes

  • God's Divine Will for Salvation: The core message is that God's desire is for salvation, not for anyone to be lost. It underscores the Father's active and benevolent will concerning the eternal destiny of His children. This resonates with other scriptures affirming God's desire for all to come to repentance, such as 2 Peter 3:9.
  • The Immense Value of Every Individual: Jesus emphasizes that every single "little one" (Greek: mikroi), no matter how seemingly insignificant, is of immeasurable worth to God. The parable preceding this verse highlights God's relentless pursuit of even one lost soul.
  • Protection of the Vulnerable: The verse implies a divine mandate for believers to protect and nurture those who are spiritually young or vulnerable within the community of faith, ensuring they do not "perish" (Greek: apollymi), meaning to be lost or destroyed spiritually.

Linguistic Insights

The term "little ones" (Greek: mikroi) is crucial here. While it can literally mean children, in this broader discourse, it extends to humble believers, new converts, or those who are spiritually weak and easily influenced. The word "perish" (Greek: apollymi) signifies not merely physical death, but spiritual ruin, eternal separation, or being ultimately lost from God's presence, highlighting the seriousness of the Father's desire for their salvation.

Practical Application

Matthew 18:14 offers immense comfort, assuring us of God's deep and personal care for every individual believer. It calls the church and individual Christians to action:

  • Evangelism and Discipleship: We are to share the good news and nurture new believers, actively working against anything that might cause them to stumble or fall away from faith.
  • Care for the Vulnerable: It reminds us of our responsibility to protect and support the weakest and most vulnerable members of our spiritual community, ensuring they are not neglected or led astray.
  • Reassurance of God's Love: For those who feel small, overlooked, or even lost, this verse is a powerful reminder that the Heavenly Father actively desires their well-being and salvation, echoing the profound love described in John 3:16.
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Cross-References

  • 2 Peter 3:9

    ¶ The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

  • John 6:39

    And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.

  • John 6:40

    And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.

  • John 17:12

    While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.

  • Isaiah 40:11

    He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry [them] in his bosom, [and] shall gently lead those that are with young.

  • Zechariah 13:7

    ¶ Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man [that is] my fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones.

  • John 10:27

    My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: