Matthew 18:14 Commentary and Bible Study

Now comes the application of the parable. In Matthew’s case it has been given to show the value to the Father which is in heaven (verse 10) of those little ones who believe in Christ (verse 6), and he returns to the subject – ‘Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones … it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.’ The clear teaching of the passage is that little children can believe in Christ, and that he has come to die for many who first believe as little children. ‘Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven’, Christ says to the disciples. Yes, the disciples too have a Father in heaven, the same Father that these little ones have. He is active, vigilant to guard his own who are in the world, a world which exposes them to all manner of dangers. He regards them as his from before the creation of the world, for he chose them to be in Christ. The Lord Jesus Christ came into the world to lay down his life for the sheep, the chosen ones, and the Father was ready to go to extraordinary lengths to save them, being willing to give his only begotten Son for them. The is the meaning of the parable of the lost sheep and of the Good Shepherd who finds them. God’s love for his little ones and his willingness to do all that omnipotence can do, is what drives the plan of redemption. Let no one therefore stand in the way of it.