Matthew 18:1-7

1Soon after this, the disciples came to Jesus and they asked him, ‘Who is the most important person in the kingdom of heaven?’

2Jesus called a child to come to him. He made the child stand in the middle of them all.

3He said, ‘I tell you this: You must change and become like little children. If not, you will never come into the kingdom of heaven.

4This little child does not think that he is very important. You must also think as he does. Whoever does this will be the most important person in the kingdom of heaven.

5If anyone accepts a child like this because of me, that person also accepts me.’

6Jesus said, ‘A person who believes in me may not seem important. But you should never make that person do wrong things. Do not do that! It would be better for you if someone tied a big stone round your neck. Then you would sink deep down into the sea and die.

7Some things in this world will cause people to do wrong things. You can be sure that bad things will happen. But it will be very bad for the person who makes these things happen.