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Matthew 18:14
ESV So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.
NIV In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.
NASB So it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven for one of these little ones to perish.
CSB In the same way, it is not the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones perish.
NLT In the same way, it is not my heavenly Father’s will that even one of these little ones should perish.
KJV Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.
NKJV Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.

What does Matthew 18:14 mean?

Christ seems to be saying, "Don't give up on any of those who believe in me." Why? Because God the Father is like a shepherd who never gives up on a single wandering sheep. He always searches for them and rejoices when they are found and brought back to the flock.

Jesus has warned the disciples not to despise or disrespect any of His "little ones," meaning those who believe in Him. This verse helps explain why. God places enormous value on each one of Jesus' followers. It is His Father's will that none of them should perish or die, and the Father is able to accomplish His will.

This verse does not mean that none of those who follow Jesus will die physically. Of course, most of Jesus' disciples were killed for continuing to preach the gospel in His name. Even those believers who lived long and natural lives died physically. Instead, we understand that Jesus means His Father's will is for every believer in Jesus to live eternally with Him in heaven, even those who go astray into sin and must be brought back.
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