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. I saw some time ago a great painter's representation of this scene. He makes this child so noble-featured, full of brightness and beauty, standing there as a young prince, fetched for the purpose from a fair palace. That is artistic, but it does not answer the purpose. What was done was done on the spot. The Master did not send for and bring the fairest and best-trained child that Galilee contained. No; it was a street loiterer He called to Himself. Some little one busy at play in the market-place, or one looking on wondering at the edge of the crowd — the first little one on which His eyes could rest; and taking him with gentle hands, with all the roughness in which He found him, the Master pointed to him, and said: "Do not despise him; deem him not unworthy of your regard, but rather with all yore" powers influence him for good. Win his heart for God. Open to him the gates of heaven, and do all you can to smooth his path. Do not despise one of these." (C. Vivace.) Parallel Verses KJV: Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish. |
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