Matthew 18

“Thus it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones perish” (v14).  Jesus told the disciples that unless they become humble “as this child”, they would not enter heaven (v2).  Children in ancient times had no rights and few protections; they were “humble” in the sense of being powerless.  But Jesus said that the Father cherished these little ones and will punish those who harm them (v6).  

God doesn’t value people based on what they can do or their great reputation.  He looks for the humble, the “little ones” who know they need rescuing (v12).