Matthew 18:10 question

[G2Rad]

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[Awoke]

I am not a theologian.

That said, my interpretation is that children are pure and essentially without "committed" sin (Meaning no sin beyond original sin), and therefore they are fit to be in the presence of the Lord God, and gaze upon his face.

As far as I understand it, the Father will not be in the presence of sin, so people like myself and most others are not fit to see his face or be in His presence until we are washed clean of sin with the blood of Christ.
These children (ALL children) are innocent and trusting in the Father, as angels before they are born to an earthly body, and can be in the presence of the Lord due to that purity.

Don't forget that you quote was part of an answer that Christ gave to his disciples, when they asked "Who is the greatest in the Kindom of Heaven?"

I'm just sharing my thoughts on that verse. I'm not necessarily stating it "as a fact".

[StackerKen]

Yeah that is interesting and puzzling.

Im not sure what to make of that verse.

Awoke's reply sounds reasonable. There is definitely something special about children.

And Jesus say's we need to be like them.

2And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, 3And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. 4Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. 6But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

[7th trump]

It means your gardian angel can summon the Father to interfere when neccessary.

[G2Rad]

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[7th trump]

Yeah that is interesting and puzzling.

Im not sure what to make of that verse.

Awoke's reply sounds reasonable. There is definitely something special about children.

And Jesus say's we need to be like them.

2And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, 3And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. 4Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. 6But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.


thanks guys.

your words kind of confirm that most likely all the little children will disappear during the Rupture along with the believers.

Satan and Co seems to be aware of that, judging by the recent Nicolas Cage 2009's movie called Knowing (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0448011/synopsis) that triggered my thinking.

In this ( very Satanic ) movie that I happened to see in the theater, aliens take away all the children of the Earth, supposedly to rescue them from the Solar flare which could eradicate humanity.

Obviously the purpose of the movie is to pre-condition the seed of Satan for me rupture, which will have to be quickly explained away.

interesting.

It is a propaganda movie, yet I still recommend watching it just to know what the enemy is doing

Truely amazing the level of competency in the world today. Why people would ever look hollywood to interpret the Bible is beyond me.
The more I read of this type of stuff its no wonder satan will easily fool the world into thinking he is the Christ.
You'd make greenbear proud with this false rapture doctrine crap!

[Awoke]

I don't think he's looking to Hollywood to interpret the Bible at all.

He made it clear that the movie is a movie about aliens taking children, and he speculates that it is being used as a public conditioning agent, but I don't see him stating that the movie is an interpretation of the Bible.

I see you're no less confrontational that you were on GIM, 7th trump.

[7th trump]

I don't think he's looking to Hollywood to interpret the Bible at all.

He made it clear that the movie is a movie about aliens taking children, and he speculates that it is being used as a public conditioning agent, but I don't see him stating that the movie is an interpretation of the Bible.

I see you're no less confrontational that you were on GIM, 7th trump.

I see your no more intelligent either awoke.
Are you that thick skulled awoke? You dont see this guy is beleiving the false rapture theory and confirming its beleif with a movie from hollywood? Thats aiding a false interpretation awoke.
Nothing like the stupidity of beleiving hollywood script to confirm a false doctrine.

[Awoke]

Online Douay Rhiems:
http://www.drbo.org

Matthew, Chapter 24, Verses 37 to 42:


And as in the days of Noe, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 38 For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, even till that day in which Noe entered into the ark, 39 And they knew not till the flood came, and took them all away; so also shall the coming of the Son of man be. 40 Then two shall be in the field: one shall be taken, and one shall be left.

41 Two women shall be grinding at the mill: one shall be taken, and one shall be left. 42 Watch ye therefore, because ye know not what hour your Lord will come.


First Thessalonians, Chapter 4, verses 15 to 17:

15 For the Lord himself shall come down from heaven with commandment, and with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God: and the dead who are in Christ, shall rise first.

16 Then we who are alive, who are left, shall be taken up together with them in the clouds to meet Christ, into the air, and so shall we be always with the Lord. 17 Wherefore, comfort ye one another with these words.

I'm not necessarily a firm believer in the Rapture, but I would like to see you use scripture to completely dismiss it as false.

And even after all your insults, I still don't see hime proclaiming this movie as gospel. In fact, he said that watching the movie "triggered his thinking".

[G2Rad]

Hi Awoke

Nice to see you chiming in.

you know, I figured it is really useless arguing with trump.

Many times he was asked for the explanation of the basis of his weird beliefs to no avail. There was nothing but swearing in return.

He is a troll. Let not his usual insults hurt you.

I value whatever you say, Sir 100 times more than trump's broken record.

:)

[G2Rad]

It is only human for us to have differences in our beliefs because it is only normal for us to be wrong in our oppinions.

Acknowledging that, is humility and is the basis for enjoyable civil conversation without hate.

It also opens the door for our learning and discovering the truth.

Rejecting possibility of being wrong is stupidity.
It is pretending to be god.

First such people blind themselves by pride, then they hate all the others for not acknowledging their claim for intellectual supremacy.

All that is so common and widespread. I am sure each of us can remember having a boss like that. :)

We are all little gods trying to run our own Universes, seeking to be worshiped.

Know thyself. ;D

[StackerKen]

7th. The Rapture is not Heresy
Its pretty easy to see why folks think there will be a rapture.

16 Then we who are alive, who are left, shall be taken up together with them in the clouds to meet Christ, into the air, and so shall we be always with the Lord. 17 Wherefore, comfort ye one another with these words.

What we don't know is the timing of the rapture.


I don't wanna derail this thread, Because I think there is something important to be learned from and about the children.

And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

[RJB]

It is only human for us to have differences in our beliefs because it is only normal for us to be wrong in our oppinions.Acknowledging that, is humility and is the basis for enjoyable civil conversation without hate.
I've tried to stay out of religious debates lately but I do follow them and enjoy them especially when they stay respectful. I really have learned a lot from all you guys. I don't necessarily believe in the rapture either, but it was a book put out by a rapture believer that inspired me to ask Jesus into my life.

(Off topic)There is one thing I did from GIM1 that I've regretted. There was a thread that AMforPM said he'd ban Ken and Grad if they bashed Islam again. I misread it or maybe he editted it later but for some reason I thought it just stated be respectful-- anyway, I thanked the post and didn't notice the threat of banishment until a week later. I removed the thanks then, but it is the one thing that has irked me that it appeared that I thanked him for the threat of banishing you two. Hopefully you didn't notice the thanks but I had to get that off my chest.

[Awoke]

Hi Awoke

Nice to see you chiming in.


I value whatever you say, Sir 100 times more than trump's broken record.


Thank you brother.



I don't wanna derail this thread, Because I think there is something important to be learned from and about the children.

And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.


Thank you Ken. Nice post.



I've tried to stay out of religious debates lately but I do follow them and enjoy them especially when they stay respectful. I really have learned a lot from all you guys. I don't necessarily believe in the rapture either, but it was a book put out by a rapture believer that inspired me to ask Jesus into my life.

That, my friend, is some very needed good news.
Christ is King.

[StackerKen]

RJB I don't remember if I noticed your thanks on that post....either way I would not hold it against you.

Your a Good guy RJ. And like Grad, I am also glad you're here.

[7th trump]

7th. The Rapture is not Heresy
Its pretty easy to see why folks think there will be a rapture.

16 Then we who are alive, who are left, shall be taken up together with them in the clouds to meet Christ, into the air, and so shall we be always with the Lord. 17 Wherefore, comfort ye one another with these words.

What we don't know is the timing of the rapture.


I don't wanna derail this thread, Because I think there is something important to be learned from and about the children.

And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Ken there is no rapture. What do you suppose is said here?

First Thessalonians, Chapter 4, verses 15 to 17:

15 For the Lord himself shall come down from heaven with commandment, and with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God: and the dead who are in Christ, shall rise first.

16 Then we who are alive, who are left, shall be taken up together with them in the clouds to meet Christ, into the air, and so shall we be always with the Lord. 17 Wherefore, comfort ye one another with these words.

What do know about the seven trumps mentioned in Revelations?
The last one is the return of the real Christ for as " the Lord himself shall come down from heaven".
And from that we know we are changed in a twinkle of an eye. You also know that the flesh cannot go into heaven so we have to change into the spiritual body to do so.
If you look up the word "air" from verse 16 with a concordence its translated from english back to the original Greek to mean "spiritual body", not atmosphere like greenbear, g2rad thinks it is. Big effing difference when getting the correct understanding of the passage.
Also, where is it that Jesus comes back after the so called "rapture"?
Its not written anywhere Ken.......nowhere is that found in the Bible!
When the real Jesus returns its a trumpet, a 7th trumpet or the last trumpet to be sounded to be exact, and we all are changed into the "air" spiritual bodies. Do you think Jesus is going to change for our account...........no we change for His account and why in a twinkle of an eye we are changed, not Jesus!
When the last trumpet is sounded ( the return of the real Christ) its all over and the rule with a rod of iron millenium starts.
greenbear was and is a spreader of falseness. Her heart is probably in the right place, but she teaches false doctrines and if she doesnt change she will be held accountable for it.
Like I said before, she's not going to like whats in store for her if she doesnt change.

I dont have the passage in front of me here at work, and you know this, but Jesus says satan comes before His return. And since the concordence translates "anti-christ" to mean "instead of Christ" as in imposter christ, not the opposite of Christ, but an instead of christ meaning a fake christ.
I also have the chapter and verse written down where satan comes into the world "peacefully and prosperously". Now how does satan get the world to whore after him if he's out murdering people and cutting off their heads? Why shit if an entity was to appaer murdering the world the world would come together to defeat such an entity. satan cant succeed in getting the world to whore after him unless he comes into the world peacefully and prosperously play acting as the "instead of christ" anti-christ.
So if you dont understand what coming down the pipe here in the short near future you will probably be whoring after the fake christ and not realize it.

[G2Rad]

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[G2Rad]

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[G2Rad]

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[Heimdhal]

back to the Matthew 18:10 and possibility of children being taken away .....

Consider this very interesting passage:

1 Cor 13

When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

-----------------

wow!

does it say that somewhere along the way of becoming a man process we start to "see through a glass, darkly"?

once again,

Matthew 18:10
That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven

(!)

??? (!)


I think its a reference to mans limited knowledge. Glass, back then, was not like glass today. It was translucent, but not transparent and things could only be seen in vauge or general terms. Seeing through a glass, darkly, is a poetic way of saying one can see that there is something through the glass, but cant quite make out fully what it is. then after death (seeing God Face to Face), they fully understand, clearly, as it is said God does.


So yes, I would say that it suggests that in becoming a grown person we tend to lose the simple and innocent view points we held as children, and things become a bit more complicated and fuzzy. A child understands God much more differently and much more simply and clearly than a grown up does.

[7th trump]

into the spiritual body to do so.

to mean "spiritual body"

that's nice but

1 John 3:2
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

and then remember this:


John 20:
Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side

I do not think it is possible to reach one's finger into a "spiritual" ;D body.

It will be physical "glorified" body ( with no blood in it). the body that is possible to touch

I dont understand the "but" part of your post because 1 John 3:2 agrees to what I've been telling you guys all along. I dont understand why you guys keep injecting traditions of man ( someones false beleif) that the Bible lies. We will be in the same spiritual body as Christ (we wont be Christ but in the same physicalness as he) and all the others who have passed on are in.
Dont be so sure of not reaching into a spiritual body because Jesus would just vanish before the very eye of those who would seek to harm Jesus.

[StackerKen]

7th
Do you mean we won't have our own resurrected bodies?

[7th trump]

7th
Do you mean we won't have our own resurrected bodies?

Once you leave the flesh bodies you will never again return to them. They go back to the earth they are made of.

[Greenbear]

The more I think about Matthew 18:10 the more fascinating that verse becomes for me.

Matthew 18:10
Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.

:)

It is a puzzling verse. can't fully understand it.


GB, Ken, Streets, Kali and others, what do you guys make of "That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven."? ::)

God bless.


G2Rad,

My take is that Jesus is using a little child as an illustration of one who believes in him. The disciples ask Jesus who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. To answer their question Jesus calls a little child to him. He tells them that "Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven." The rest of the passage Jesus talks about how those who believe in Him are treated by two groups; those who receive them, and those who commit offenses against them (the world). He describes the different ends of the two groups.

I think Jesus is describing a principle of the kingdom of heaven which is completely opposite of the corresponding principle of the kingdoms of the god of this world. In this world the proud and favored rule. In the kingdom of heaven the meek and humble will rule.

When we see God face to face we will be like him. It is truly incomprehensible how an all-powerful, all-knowing Creator of everything that exists is also humble. Perhaps this is part of the reason that Lucifer believed that he could be like the Most High, in the same way that proud men believe they are superior to the humble in spirit.

From Barnes Notes on the Bible,

Do always behold the face of my Father, etc. This is taken from the practice of earthly courts. To be admitted to the presence of a king; to be permitted to see his face continually; to have free access at all times, was deemed a mark of peculiar favour, 1Ki 10:8; Es 1:14 and was esteemed a security for his protection. So, says our Saviour, we should not despise the obscurest Christians, for they are ministered to by the highest and noblest of beings; beings who are always enjoying the favour and friendship of God.


Matthew 23:11-12 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

James 2:1 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.
James 2:5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?
James2:6 But ye have despised the poor...


I believe that all children under the age of accountability go to Heaven when they die but I don't know if they will be included in the rapture. That is an interesting question. I do know that the Lord always does what is perfect and right.

:)

[7th trump]

The more I think about Matthew 18:10 the more fascinating that verse becomes for me.

Matthew 18:10
Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.

:)

It is a puzzling verse. can't fully understand it.


GB, Ken, Streets, Kali and others, what do you guys make of "That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven."? ::)

God bless.


G2Rad,

My take is that Jesus is using a little child as an illustration of one who believes in him. The disciples ask Jesus who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. To answer their question Jesus calls a little child to him. He tells them that "Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven." The rest of the passage Jesus talks about how those who believe in Him are treated by two groups; those who receive them, and those who commit offenses against them (the world). He describes the different ends of the two groups.

I think Jesus is describing a principle of the kingdom of heaven which is completely opposite of the corresponding principle of the kingdoms of the god of this world. In this world the proud and favored rule. In the kingdom of heaven the meek and humble will rule.

When we see God face to face we will be like him. It is truly incomprehensible how an all-powerful, all-knowing Creator of everything that exists is also humble. Perhaps this is part of the reason that Lucifer believed that he could be like the Most High, in the same way that proud men believe they are superior to the humble in spirit.

From Barnes Notes on the Bible,

Do always behold the face of my Father, etc. This is taken from the practice of earthly courts. To be admitted to the presence of a king; to be permitted to see his face continually; to have free access at all times, was deemed a mark of peculiar favour, 1Ki 10:8; Es 1:14 and was esteemed a security for his protection. So, says our Saviour, we should not despise the obscurest Christians, for they are ministered to by the highest and noblest of beings; beings who are always enjoying the favour and friendship of God.


Matthew 23:11-12 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

James 2:1 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.
James 2:5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?
James2:6 But ye have despised the poor...


I believe that all children under the age of accountability go to Heaven when they die but I don't know if they will be included in the rapture. That is an interesting question. I do know that the Lord always does what is perfect and right.

:)






Rapture???????..........................rapture is not in the Bible greeny.

[Greenbear]

Hi Awoke

Nice to see you chiming in.

you know, I figured it is really useless arguing with trump.

Many times he was asked for the explanation of the basis of his weird beliefs to no avail. There was nothing but swearing in return.

He is a troll. Let not his usual insults hurt you.

I value whatever you say, Sir 100 times more than trump's broken record.

:)



G2Rad, I agree with you.

Awoke, you are always civil, kind and honest with your posts and I always read them as opposed to skipping over them.

Always glad to see you posting in the Religion section, Awoke. :)

[7th trump]

Hi Awoke

Nice to see you chiming in.

you know, I figured it is really useless arguing with trump.

Many times he was asked for the explanation of the basis of his weird beliefs to no avail. There was nothing but swearing in return.

He is a troll. Let not his usual insults hurt you.

I value whatever you say, Sir 100 times more than trump's broken record.

:)



G2Rad, I agree with you.

Awoke, you are always civil, kind and honest with your posts and I always read them as opposed to skipping over them.

Always glad to see you posting in the Religion section, Awoke. :)

Hey green bear I have given you the scripture of the three earthes. In fact i started a thread on it, but it seems it is you that doesnt wish to address the scripture I have provided. And I know why that is green.
Furthermore I have scripture to prove to you that satan is coming first. satan sets up his system and its the last system before the real Jesus Christ appears at the seventh trumpet. Currently we are in the second to last dynasty or system where Isreal is established as a country which brings forth the bad branch and good branch called the parable of the fig tree. The date of the establishment of Isreal as a country, 1948, is very important because that 1948 generation will not come to pass until all prophesy is fullfilled. We are getting many grey hairs on that 1948 generation green. They are now 62 years old and a lot are passing away................it wont be long now green until the fake messiah appears to rapture you beleivers of the rapture into his little red wagon of perdition.

My my green........you think you know something but never comment on the parable of the fig tree that Jesus says we better learn, but not you green because you never heard of it to comment on it.......................I wonder why that is green?
Oh thats right you dont need to learn about the end days because you think you are going to fly up, up and away.
Better not forget your little bag of pixy dust and your red slippers either green.

[G2Rad]

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[Awoke]

7th Trump, I think you are spending too much time focusing on GreenBear.

You don't share her (and millions of others) interpretation of scripture?
So be it.

I'm over it. I don't know how I personally feel about the Rapture, becuase there are some scriptures that lean towards it, but it's not crystal clear.
I don't care either way. God has his plan, and in the end, I want to be on the good side.

I think you should accept your differences with her beliefs and move on.

EDITED due to major typos from hasty typing

[Greenbear]

I don't know if they will be included in the rapture. That is an interesting question.
:)



Thank you GB for commenting.

Yeah, interesting.

In a way children are in the same category as saved Christians.

Do you remember yourself as a child?

I am trying to remember how it was and when it stopped.


You are right. Children are innocent and have never sinned. Christians are innocent positionally because Christ never sinned.

Guardian angels always behold God's face because the children they are representatives of have never sinned. Christ , our High Priest, always beholds his Father's face because he never sinned.

I think you have answered the question for me about whether Christians have guardian angels or not.

[Horn]

Since all the questions have been answered and there is no mystery left, I can start pasting videos here?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSwy412nttI

[Awoke]

Christians are innocent positionally because Christ never sinned.


I would say that that would only be the case if the Christian was repentant and appealed to the Father for forgiveness, through Christ. We are all sinners.



I think you have answered the question for me about whether Christians have guardian angels or not.


I believe in angelic intercession, but I don't necessarily believe that each person is "assigned" a "Guardian Angel" per se.



GB, Imagine the effect that the disappearance of all children would produce on the earth-dwellers.

It would have an order of magnitude higher impact than disappearance of a few wackos.

In fact nobody would even notice the disappearance of a few wackos, because it will be overshadowed by a billion amber alerts worldwide.

If am not certain that it will happen

yet, remember Egypt?

Those children of Exodus 11:5 .

What happened to them?

think about it


If the rapture happens as Greenbear believes, the apocalypse will be on us post haste, and I think that everything will be happening so fast that Amber alerst will be the last thing anyone will be thinking about.
Of course I could be wrong.

[Awoke]

Awoke, you are always civil, kind and honest with your posts and I always read them as opposed to skipping over them.

Always glad to see you posting in the Religion section, Awoke. :)


Thanks GB. I enjoy discussing the faith.

[spt_r1]

Below is good explanation of the verse by Matthew Henry.

It's a bit lengthy and might be a little bit of work because of the older English style but well worth the read...

http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/matthew/18.html

Our Savior here speaks of offences, or scandals,I. In general, v. 7. Having mentioned the offending of little ones, he takes occasion to speak more generally of offences. That is an offence, 1. Which occasions guilt, which by enticement or affrightment tends to draw men from that which is good to that which is evil. 2. Which occasions grief, which makes the heart of the righteous sad. Now, concerning offences, Christ here tells them,(1.) That they were certain things; It must needs be, that offences come. When we are sure there is danger, we should be the better armed. Not that Christ’s word necessitates any man to offend, but it is a prediction upon a view of the causes; considering the subtlety and malice of Satan, the weakness and depravity of men’s hearts, and the foolishness that is found there, it is morally impossible but that there should be offences; and God has determined to permit them for wise and holy ends, that both they which are perfect, and they which are not, may be made manifest. See 1 Co. 11:19; Dan. 11:35. Being told, before, that there will be seducers, tempters, persecutors, and many bad examples, let us stand upon our guard, ch. 24:24; Acts 20:29, 30.(2.) That they would be woeful things, and the consequence of them fatal. Here is a double woe annexed to offences:[1.] A woe to the careless and unguarded, to whom the offence is given; Woe to the world because of offences. The obstructions and oppositions given to faith and holiness in all places are the bane and plague of mankind, and the ruin of thousands. This present world is an evil world, it is so full of offences, of sins, and snares, and sorrows; a dangerous road we travel, full of stumbling-blocks, precipices, and false guides. Woe to the world. As for those whom God hath chosen and called out of the world, and delivered from it, they are preserved by the power of God from the prejudice of these offences, are helped over all these stones of stumbling. They that love God’s law have great peace, and nothing shall offend them, Ps. 119:165.[2.] A woe to the wicked, who wilfully give the offence; But woe to that man by whom the offence comes. Though it must needs be, that the offence will come, that will be no excuse for the offenders. Note, Though God makes the sins of sinners to serve his purposes, that will not secure them from his wrath; and the guilt will be laid at the door of those who give the offence, though they also fall under a woe who take it. Note, They who any way hinder the salvation of others, will find their own condemnation the more intolerable, like Jeroboam, who sinned, and made Israel to sin. This woe is the moral of that judicial law (Ex. 21:33, 21:34–22:6), that he who opened the pit, and kindled the fire, was accountable for all the damage that ensued. The antichristian generation, by whom came the great offence, will fall under this woe, for their delusion of sinners (2 Th. 2:11, 12), and their persecutions of saints (Rev. 17:1, 2, 6), for the righteous God will reckon with those who ruin the eternal interests of precious souls, and the temporal interests of precious saints; for precious in the sight of the Lord is the blood of souls and the blood of saints; and men will be reckoned with, not only for their doings, but for the fruit of their doings, the mischief done by them.II. In particular, Christ here speaks of offences given,1. By us to ourselves, which is expressed by our hand or foot offending us; in such a case, it must be cut off, v. 8, 9. This Christ had said before (ch. 5:29, 30), where it especially refers to seventh-commandment sins; here it is taken more generally. Note, Those hard sayings of Christ, which are displeasing to flesh and blood, need to be repeated to us again and again, and all little enough. Now observe,(1.) What it is that is here enjoined. We must part with an eye, or a hand, or a foot, that is, that, whatever it is, which is dear to us, when it proves unavoidably an occasion of sin to us. Note, [1.] Many prevailing temptations to sin arise from within ourselves; our own eyes and hands offend us; if there were never a devil to tempt us, we should be drawn away of our own lust: nay, those things which in themselves are good, and may be used as instruments of good, even those, through the corruptions of our hearts, prove snares to us, incline us to sin, and hinder us in duty. [2.] In such a case, we must, as far as lawfully we may, part with that which we cannot keep without being entangled in sin by it. First, It is certain, the inward lust must be mortified, though it be dear to us as an eye, or a hand. The flesh, with its affections and lusts, must be mortified, Gal. 5:24. The body of sin must be destroyed; corrupt inclinations and appetites must be checked and crossed; the beloved lust, that has been rolled under the tongue as a sweet morsel, must be abandoned with abhorrence. Secondly, The outward occasions of sin must be avoided, though we thereby put as great a violence upon ourselves as it would be to cut off a hand, or pluck out an eye. When Abraham quitted his native country, for fear of being ensnared in the idolatry of it, and when Moses quitted Pharoah’s court, for fear of being entangled in the sinful pleasures of it, there was a right hand cut off. We must think nothing too dear to part with, for the keeping of a good conscience.(2.) Upon what inducement this is required; It is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than, having two hands, to be cast into hell. The argument is taken from the future state, from heaven and hell; thence are fetched the most cogent dissuasives from sin. The argument is the same with that of the apostle, Rom. 8:13. [1.] If we live after the flesh, we shall die; having two eyes, no breaches made upon the body of sin, inbred corruption like Adonijah never displeased, we shall be cast into hell-fire. [2.] If we through the Spirit mortify the deeds of the body, we shall live; that is meant by our entering into life maimed, that is, the body of sin maimed; and it is but maimed at the best, while we are in this world. If the right hand of the old man be cut off, and its right eye be plucked out, its chief policies blasted and powers broken, it is well; but there is still an eye and a hand remaining, with which it will struggle. They that are Christ’s have nailed the flesh to the cross, but it is not yet dead; its life is prolonged, but its dominion taken away (Dan. 7:12), and the deadly wound given it, that shall not be healed.1. Concerning offences given by us to others, especially Christ’s little ones, which we are here charged to take heed of, pursuant to what he had said, v. 6. Observe,(1.) The caution itself; Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones. This is spoken to the disciples. As Christ will be displeased with enemies of his church, if they wrong any of the members of it, even the least, so he will be displeased with the great ones of the church, if they despise the little ones of it. "You that are striving who shall be greatest, take heed lest in this contest you despise the little ones.’’ We may understand it literally of little children; of them Christ was speaking, v. 2, 4. The infant seed of the faithful belong to the family of Christ, and are not to be despised. Or, figuratively; true but weak believers are these little ones, who in their outward condition, or the frame of their spirits, are like little children, the lambs of Christ’s flock.[1.] We must not despise them, not think meanly of them, as lambs despised, Job 12:5. We must not make a jest of their infirmities, not look upon them with contempt, not conduct ourselves scornfully or disdainfully toward them, as if we cared not what became of them; we must not say, "Though they be offended, and grieved, and stumble, what is that to us?’’ Nor should we make a slight matter of doing that which will entangle and perplex them. This despising of the little ones is what we are largely cautioned against, Rom. 14:3, 10, 15, 20, 21. We must not impose upon the consciences of others, nor bring them into subjection to our humours, as they do who say to men’s souls, Bow down, that we may go over. There is a respect owing to the conscience of every man who appears to be conscientious.[2.] We must take heed that we do not despise them; we must be afraid of the sin, and be very cautious what we say and do, lest we should through inadvertency give offence to Christ’s little ones, lest we put contempt upon them, without being aware of it. There were those that hated them, and cast them out, and yet said, Let the Lord be glorified. And we must be afraid of the punishment; "Take heed of despising them, for it is at your peril if you do.’’(2.) The reasons to enforce the caution. We must not look upon these little ones as contemptible, because really they are considerable. Let not earth despise those whom heaven respects; let not those be looked upon by us with respect, as his favourites. To prove that the little ones which believe in Christ are worthy to be respected, consider,[1.] The ministration of the good angels about them; In heaven their angels always behold the face of my Father. This Christ saith to us, and we may take it upon his word, who came from heaven to let us know what is done there by the world of angels. Two things he lets us know concerning them,First, That they are the little ones’ angels. God’s angels are theirs; for all his is ours, if we be Christ’s. 1 Co. 3:22. They are theirs; for they have a charge concerning them to minister for their good (Heb. 1:14), to pitch their tents about them, and bear them up in their arms. Some have imagined that every particular saint has a guardian angel; but why should we suppose this, when we are sure that every particular saint, when there is occasion, has a guard of angels? This is particularly applied here to the little ones, because they are most despised and most exposed. They have but little that they can call their own, but they can look by faith on the heavenly hosts, and call them theirs. While the great ones of the world have honourable men for their retinue and guards, the little ones of the church are attended with glorious angels; which bespeaks not only their dignity, but the danger those run themselves upon, who despise and abuse them. It is bad being enemies to those who are so guarded; and it is good having God for our God, for then we have his angels for our angels.Secondly, That they always behold the face of the Father in heaven. This bespeaks, 1. The angels’ continual felicity and honour. The happiness of heaven consists in the vision of God, seeing him face to face as he is, beholding his beauty; this the angels have without interruption; when they are ministering to us on earth, yet even then by contemplation they behold the face of God, for they are full of eyes within. Gabriel, when speaking to Zecharias, yet stands in the presence of God, Rev. 4:8; Lu. 1:19. The expression intimates, as some think, the special dignity and honour of the little ones’ angels; the prime ministers of state are said to see the king’s face (Esth. 1:14), as if the strongest angels had the charge of the weakest saints. 2. It bespeaks their continual readiness to minister to the saints. They behold the face of God, expecting to receive orders from him what to do for the good of the saints. As the eyes of the servant are to the hand of his master, ready to go or come upon the least beck, so the eyes of the angels are upon the face of God, waiting for the intimations of his will, which those winged messengers fly swiftly to fulfil; they go and return like a flash of lightning, Eze. 1:14. If we would behold the face of God in glory hereafter, as the angels do (Lu. 20:36), we must behold the face of God now, in readiness to our duty, as they do, Acts 9:6.[2.] The gracious design of Christ concerning them (v. 11); For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. This is a reason, First, Why the little ones’ angels have such a charge concerning them, and attend upon them; it is in pursuance of Christ’s design to save them. Note, The ministration of angels is founded in the mediation of Christ; through him angels are reconciled to us; and, when they celebrated God’s goodwill toward men, to it they annexed their own. Secondly, Why they are not to be despised; because Christ came to save them, to save them that are lost, the little ones that are lost in their own eyes (Isa. 66:3), that are at a loss within themselves. Or rather, the children of men. Note, 1. Our souls by nature are lost souls; as a traveller is lost, that is out of his way, as a convicted prisoner is lost. God lost the service of fallen man, lost the honour he should have had from him. 2. Christ’s errand into the world was to save that which was lost, to reduce us to our allegiance, restore us to our work, reinstate us in our privileges, and so to put us into the right way that leads to our great end; to save those that are spiritually lost from being eternally so. 3. This is a good reason why the least and weakest believers should not be despised or offended. If Christ put such a value upon them, let us not undervalue them. If he denied himself so much for their salvation, surely we should deny ourselves for their edification and consolation. See this argument urged, Rom. 14:15; 1 Co. 8:11, 12. Nay, if Christ came into the world to save souls, and his heart is so much upon that work, he will reckon severely with those that obstruct and hinder it, by obstructing the progress of those that are setting their faces heavenward, and so thwart his great design.[3.] The tender regard which our heavenly Father has to these little ones, and his concern for their welfare. This is illustrated by a comparison, v. 12–14. Observe the gradation of the argument; the angels of God are their servants, the Son of God is their Saviour, and, to complete their honour, God himself is their Friend. None shall pluck them out of my Father’s hand, Jn. 10:28.Here is, First, The comparison, v. 12, 13. The owner that had lost one sheep out of a hundred, does not slight it, but diligently enquires after it, is greatly pleased when he has found it, and has in that a sensible and affecting joy, more than in the ninety and nine that wandered not. The fear he was in of losing that one, and the surprise of finding it, add to the joy. Now this is applicable, 1. To the state of fallen man in general; he is strayed like a lost sheep, the angels that stood were as the ninety-nine that never went astray; wandering man is sought upon the mountains, which Christ, in great fatigue, traversed in pursuit of him, and he is found; which is a matter of joy. Greater joy there is in heaven for returning sinners than for remaining angels. 2. To particular believers, who are offended and put out of their way by the stumbling-blocks that are laid in their way, or the wiles of those who seduce them out of the way. Now though but one of a hundred should hereby be driven off, as sheep easily are, yet that one shall be looked after with a great deal of care, the return of it welcomed with a great deal of pleasure; and therefore the wrong done to it, no doubt, will be reckoned for with a great deal of displeasure. If there be joy in heaven for the finding of one of these little ones, there is wrath in heaven for the offending of them. Note, God is graciously concerned, not only for his flock in general, but for every lamb, or sheep, that belongs to it. Though they are many, yet out of those many he can easily miss one, for he is a great Shepherd, but not so easily lose it, for he is a good Shepherd, and takes a more particular cognizance of his flock than ever any did; for he calls his own sheep by name, Jn. 10:3. See a full exposition of this parable, Eze. 34:2, 10, 16, 19.Secondly, The application of this comparison (v. 14); It is not the will of your Father, that one of these little ones should perish. More is implied than is expressed. It is not his will that any should perish, but, 1. It is his will, that these little ones should be saved; it is the will of his design and delight: he has designed it, and set his heart upon it, and he will effect it; it is the will of his precept, that all should do what they can to further it, and nothing to hinder it. 2. This care extends itself to every particular member of the flock, even the meanest. We think if but one or two be offended and ensnared, it is no great matter, we need not mind it; but God’s thoughts of love and tenderness are above ours. 3. It is intimated that those who do any thing by which any of these little ones are brought into danger of perishing, contradict the will of God, and highly provoke him; and though they cannot prevail in it, yet they will be reckoned with for it by him, who, in his saints, as in other things, is jealous of his honour, and will not bear to have it trampled on. See Isa. 3:15, What mean ye, that ye beat my people? Ps. 76:8, 9.Observe, Christ called God, v. 19, my Father which is in heaven; he calls him, v. 14, your Father which is in heaven; intimating that he is not ashamed to call his poor disciples brethren; for have not he and they one Father? I ascend to my Father and your Father (Jn. 20:17); therefore ours because his. This intimates likewise the ground of the safety of his little ones; that God is their Father, and is therefore inclined to succour them. A father takes care of all his children, but is particularly tender of the little ones, Gen. 33:13. He is their Father in heaven, a place of prospect, and therefore he sees all the indignities offered them; and a place of power, therefore he is able to avenge them. This comforts offended little ones, that their Witness is in heaven (Job 16:19), their Judge is there, Ps. 68:5.

[G2Rad]

Below is good explanation of the verse by Matthew Henry.



thank you for the link. great web site.

thank you for taking the trouble of registering here.

welkome to GSUS

:)

[spt_r1]

welkome to GSUS

Dziekuje bardzo.

[Awoke]

I would like to read that post, spt_r1, but not until after you edit it and break it into paragraphs. Thanks for joining and posting.

[spt_r1]

Thanks Awoke for the "heads up" !!!

I do have the hard copy of the commentary but when I went to look it up online I guess I just lazily grabbed the first one available. Sorry for my laziness. Below is a version that is much, much more readable:


Our Savior here speaks of offences, or scandals,

I. In general, Matthew 18:7. Having mentioned the offending of little ones, he takes occasion to speak more generally of offences. That is an offence, 1. Which occasions guilt, which by enticement or affrightment tends to draw men from that which is good to that which is evil. 2. Which occasions grief, which makes the heart of the righteous sad. Now, concerning offences, Christ here tells them,

(1.) That they were certain things; It must needs be, that offences come. When we are sure there is danger, we should be the better armed. Not that Christ's word necessitates any man to offend, but it is a prediction upon a view of the causes; considering the subtlety and malice of Satan, the weakness and depravity of men's hearts, and the foolishness that is found there, it is morally impossible but that there should be offences; and God has determined to permit them for wise and holy ends, that both they which are perfect, and they which are not, may be made manifest. See 1 Corinthians 11:19,Da+11:35. Being told, before, that there will be seducers, tempters, persecutors, and many bad examples, let us stand upon our guard, Matthew 24:24,Ac+20:29,30.

(2.) That they would be woeful things, and the consequence of them fatal. Here is a double woe annexed to offences:

[1.] A woe to the careless and unguarded, to whom the offence is given; Woe to the world because of offences. The obstructions and oppositions given to faith and holiness in all places are the bane and plague of mankind, and the ruin of thousands. This present world is an evil world, it is so full of offences, of sins, and snares, and sorrows; a dangerous road we travel, full of stumbling-blocks, precipices, and false guides. Woe to the world. As for those whom God hath chosen and called out of the world, and delivered from it, they are preserved by the power of God from the prejudice of these offences, are helped over all these stones of stumbling. They that love God's law have great peace, and nothing shall offend them, Psalms 119:165.

[2.] A woe to the wicked, who wilfully give the offence; But woe to that man by whom the offence comes. Though it must needs be, that the offence will come, that will be no excuse for the offenders. Note, Though God makes the sins of sinners to serve his purposes, that will not secure them from his wrath; and the guilt will be laid at the door of those who give the offence, though they also fall under a woe who take it. Note, They who any way hinder the salvation of others, will find their own condemnation the more intolerable, like Jeroboam, who sinned, and made Israel to sin. This woe is the moral of that judicial law (Exodus 21:33-22:6), that he who opened the pit, and kindled the fire, was accountable for all the damage that ensued. The antichristian generation, by whom came the great offence, will fall under this woe, for their delusion of sinners (2 Thessalonians 2:11,12), and their persecutions of saints (Revelation 17:1,2,6), for the righteous God will reckon with those who ruin the eternal interests of precious souls, and the temporal interests of precious saints; for precious in the sight of the Lord is the blood of souls and the blood of saints; and men will be reckoned with, not only for their doings, but for the fruit of their doings, the mischief done by them.

II. In particular, Christ here speaks of offences given,

1. By us to ourselves, which is expressed by our hand or foot offending us; in such a case, it must be cut off, Matthew 18:8,9. This Christ had said before (Matthew 5:29,30), where it especially refers to seventh-commandment sins; here it is taken more generally. Note, Those hard sayings of Christ, which are displeasing to flesh and blood, need to be repeated to us again and again, and all little enough. Now observe,

(1.) What it is that is here enjoined. We must part with an eye, or a hand, or a foot, that is, that, whatever it is, which is dear to us, when it proves unavoidably an occasion of sin to us. Note, [1.] Many prevailing temptations to sin arise from within ourselves; our own eyes and hands offend us; if there were never a devil to tempt us, we should be drawn away of our own lust: nay, those things which in themselves are good, and may be used as instruments of good, even those, through the corruptions of our hearts, prove snares to us, incline us to sin, and hinder us in duty. [2.] In such a case, we must, as far as lawfully we may, part with that which we cannot keep without being entangled in sin by it. First, It is certain, the inward lust must be mortified, though it be dear to us as an eye, or a hand. The flesh, with its affections and lusts, must be mortified, Galatians 5:24. The body of sin must be destroyed; corrupt inclinations and appetites must be checked and crossed; the beloved lust, that has been rolled under the tongue as a sweet morsel, must be abandoned with abhorrence. Secondly, The outward occasions of sin must be avoided, though we thereby put as great a violence upon ourselves as it would be to cut off a hand, or pluck out an eye. When Abraham quitted his native country, for fear of being ensnared in the idolatry of it, and when Moses quitted Pharaoh's court, for fear of being entangled in the sinful pleasures of it, there was a right hand cut off. We must think nothing too dear to part with, for the keeping of a good conscience.

(2.) Upon what inducement this is required; It is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than, having two hands, to be cast into hell. The argument is taken from the future state, from heaven and hell; thence are fetched the most cogent dissuasives from sin. The argument is the same with that of the apostle, Romans 8:13. [1.] If we live after the flesh, we shall die; having two eyes, no breaches made upon the body of sin, inbred corruption like Adonijah never displeased, we shall be cast into hell-fire. [2.] If we through the Spirit mortify the deeds of the body, we shall live; that is meant by our entering into life maimed, that is, the body of sin maimed; and it is but maimed at the best, while we are in this world. If the right hand of the old man be cut off, and its right eye be plucked out, its chief policies blasted and powers broken, it is well; but there is still an eye and a hand remaining, with which it will struggle. They that are Christ's have nailed the flesh to the cross, but it is not yet dead; its life is prolonged, but its dominion taken away (Daniel 7:12), and the deadly wound given it, that shall not be healed.

1. Concerning offences given by us to others, especially Christ's little ones, which we are here charged to take heed of, pursuant to what he had said, Matthew 18:6. Observe,

(1.) The caution itself; Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones. This is spoken to the disciples. As Christ will be displeased with enemies of his church, if they wrong any of the members of it, even the least, so he will be displeased with the great ones of the church, if they despise the little ones of it. "You that are striving who shall be greatest, take heed lest in this contest you despise the little ones." We may understand it literally of little children; of them Christ was speaking, Matthew 18:2,4. The infant seed of the faithful belong to the family of Christ, and are not to be despised. Or, figuratively; true but weak believers are these little ones, who in their outward condition, or the frame of their spirits, are like little children, the lambs of Christ's flock.

[1.] We must not despise them, not think meanly of them, as lambs despised, Job 12:5. We must not make a jest of their infirmities, not look upon them with contempt, not conduct ourselves scornfully or disdainfully toward them, as if we cared not what became of them; we must not say, "Though they be offended, and grieved, and stumble, what is that to us?" Nor should we make a slight matter of doing that which will entangle and perplex them. This despising of the little ones is what we are largely cautioned against, Romans 14:3,10,15,20,21. We must not impose upon the consciences of others, nor bring them into subjection to our humours, as they do who say to men's souls, Bow down, that we may go over. There is a respect owing to the conscience of every man who appears to be conscientious.

[2.] We must take heed that we do not despise them; we must be afraid of the sin, and be very cautious what we say and do, lest we should through inadvertency give offence to Christ's little ones, lest we put contempt upon them, without being aware of it. There were those that hated them, and cast them out, and yet said, Let the Lord be glorified. And we must be afraid of the punishment; "Take heed of despising them, for it is at your peril if you do."

(2.) The reasons to enforce the caution. We must not look upon these little ones as contemptible, because really they are considerable. Let not earth despise those whom heaven respects; let not those be looked upon by us with respect, as his favourites. To prove that the little ones which believe in Christ are worthy to be respected, consider,

[1.] The ministration of the good angels about them; In heaven their angels always behold the face of my Father. This Christ saith to us, and we may take it upon his word, who came from heaven to let us know what is done there by the world of angels. Two things he lets us know concerning them,

First, That they are the little ones' angels. God's angels are theirs; for all his is ours, if we be Christ's. 1 Corinthians 3:22. They are theirs; for they have a charge concerning them to minister for their good (Hebrews 1:14), to pitch their tents about them, and bear them up in their arms. Some have imagined that every particular saint has a guardian angel; but why should we suppose this, when we are sure that every particular saint, when there is occasion, has a guard of angels? This is particularly applied here to the little ones, because they are most despised and most exposed. They have but little that they can call their own, but they can look by faith on the heavenly hosts, and call them theirs. While the great ones of the world have honourable men for their retinue and guards, the little ones of the church are attended with glorious angels; which bespeaks not only their dignity, but the danger those run themselves upon, who despise and abuse them. It is bad being enemies to those who are so guarded; and it is good having God for our God, for then we have his angels for our angels.

Secondly, That they always behold the face of the Father in heaven. This bespeaks, 1. The angels' continual felicity and honour. The happiness of heaven consists in the vision of God, seeing him face to face as he is, beholding his beauty; this the angels have without interruption; when they are ministering to us on earth, yet even then by contemplation they behold the face of God, for they are full of eyes within. Gabriel, when speaking to Zecharias, yet stands in the presence of God, Revelation 4:8,Lu+1:19. The expression intimates, as some think, the special dignity and honour of the little ones' angels; the prime ministers of state are said to see the king's face (Esther 1:14), as if the strongest angels had the charge of the weakest saints. 2. It bespeaks their continual readiness to minister to the saints. They behold the face of God, expecting to receive orders from him what to do for the good of the saints. As the eyes of the servant are to the hand of his master, ready to go or come upon the least beck, so the eyes of the angels are upon the face of God, waiting for the intimations of his will, which those winged messengers fly swiftly to fulfil; they go and return like a flash of lightning, Ezekiel 1:14. If we would behold the face of God in glory hereafter, as the angels do (Luke 20:36), we must behold the face of God now, in readiness to our duty, as they do, Acts 9:6.

[2.] The gracious design of Christ concerning them (Matthew 18:11); For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. This is a reason, First, Why the little ones' angels have such a charge concerning them, and attend upon them; it is in pursuance of Christ's design to save them. Note, The ministration of angels is founded in the mediation of Christ; through him angels are reconciled to us; and, when they celebrated God's goodwill toward men, to it they annexed their own. Secondly, Why they are not to be despised; because Christ came to save them, to save them that are lost, the little ones that are lost in their own eyes (Isaiah 66:3), that are at a loss within themselves. Or rather, the children of men. Note, 1. Our souls by nature are lost souls; as a traveller is lost, that is out of his way, as a convicted prisoner is lost. God lost the service of fallen man, lost the honour he should have had from him. 2. Christ's errand into the world was to save that which was lost, to reduce us to our allegiance, restore us to our work, reinstate us in our privileges, and so to put us into the right way that leads to our great end; to save those that are spiritually lost from being eternally so. 3. This is a good reason why the least and weakest believers should not be despised or offended. If Christ put such a value upon them, let us not undervalue them. If he denied himself so much for their salvation, surely we should deny ourselves for their edification and consolation. See this argument urged, Romans 14:15,1Co+8:11,12. Nay, if Christ came into the world to save souls, and his heart is so much upon that work, he will reckon severely with those that obstruct and hinder it, by obstructing the progress of those that are setting their faces heavenward, and so thwart his great design.

[3.] The tender regard which our heavenly Father has to these little ones, and his concern for their welfare. This is illustrated by a comparison, Matthew 18:12-14. Observe the gradation of the argument; the angels of God are their servants, the Son of God is their Saviour, and, to complete their honour, God himself is their Friend. None shall pluck them out of my Father's hand, John 10:28.

Here is, First, The comparison, Matthew 18:12,13. The owner that had lost one sheep out of a hundred, does not slight it, but diligently enquires after it, is greatly pleased when he has found it, and has in that a sensible and affecting joy, more than in the ninety and nine that wandered not. The fear he was in of losing that one, and the surprise of finding it, add to the joy. Now this is applicable, 1. To the state of fallen man in general; he is strayed like a lost sheep, the angels that stood were as the ninety-nine that never went astray; wandering man is sought upon the mountains, which Christ, in great fatigue, traversed in pursuit of him, and he is found; which is a matter of joy. Greater joy there is in heaven for returning sinners than for remaining angels. 2. To particular believers, who are offended and put out of their way by the stumbling-blocks that are laid in their way, or the wiles of those who seduce them out of the way. Now though but one of a hundred should hereby be driven off, as sheep easily are, yet that one shall be looked after with a great deal of care, the return of it welcomed with a great deal of pleasure; and therefore the wrong done to it, no doubt, will be reckoned for with a great deal of displeasure. If there be joy in heaven for the finding of one of these little ones, there is wrath in heaven for the offending of them. Note, God is graciously concerned, not only for his flock in general, but for every lamb, or sheep, that belongs to it. Though they are many, yet out of those many he can easily miss one, for he is a great Shepherd, but not so easily lose it, for he is a good Shepherd, and takes a more particular cognizance of his flock than ever any did; for he calls his own sheep by name, John 10:3. See a full exposition of this parable, Ezekiel 34:2,10,16,19.

Secondly, The application of this comparison (Matthew 18:14); It is not the will of your Father, that one of these little ones should perish. More is implied than is expressed. It is not his will that any should perish, but, 1. It is his will, that these little ones should be saved; it is the will of his design and delight: he has designed it, and set his heart upon it, and he will effect it; it is the will of his precept, that all should do what they can to further it, and nothing to hinder it. 2. This care extends itself to every particular member of the flock, even the meanest. We think if but one or two be offended and ensnared, it is no great matter, we need not mind it; but God's thoughts of love and tenderness are above ours. 3. It is intimated that those who do any thing by which any of these little ones are brought into danger of perishing, contradict the will of God, and highly provoke him; and though they cannot prevail in it, yet they will be reckoned with for it by him, who, in his saints, as in other things, is jealous of his honour, and will not bear to have it trampled on. See Isaiah 3:15, What mean ye, that ye beat my people? Psalms 76:8,9.

Observe, Christ called God, Matthew 18:19, my Father which is in heaven; he calls him, Matthew 18:14, your Father which is in heaven; intimating that he is not ashamed to call his poor disciples brethren; for have not he and they one Father? I ascend to my Father and your Father (John 20:17); therefore ours because his. This intimates likewise the ground of the safety of his little ones; that God is their Father, and is therefore inclined to succour them. A father takes care of all his children, but is particularly tender of the little ones, Genesis 33:13. He is their Father in heaven, a place of prospect, and therefore he sees all the indignities offered them; and a place of power, therefore he is able to avenge them. This comforts offended little ones, that their Witness is in heaven (Job 16:19), their Judge is there, Psalms 68:5.