18:6 Who is Jesus actually referring to here as "these little ones"?

18:6 Who is Jesus actually referring to here as “these little ones”?

Whereas Jesus used a literal child to characterize a true convert in Mt 18:1-5, these little ones He refers to here are not literal children but those who have humbled themselves like children.

The word little here does not refer to size but speaks figuratively of dignity, authority, meaning low, humble (cp Mt 10:40-42; 18:10-14).

These are all truly humble converts Jesus is referring to here and anyone who causes them to go back into sin will incur the ultimate condemnation of God (cp Mk 9:41-42; Lk 17:1-2).

This also applies to anyone who would lead little children into sin too (cp Mt 18:5-7).

18:8-9 See comments on Mt 5:29

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