In the same way, your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.
The disciples asked who would be greatest in the kingdom, not from hunger for holiness but for name and rank. They had dreamed of a temporal kingdom with external pomp and power, fastened upon Christ's words of glory while forgetting His sufferings. Many love to hear of privileges and crown while overlooking the yoke and cross.
AI summary
Commenting on Matthew 18:1-35
But if he will not hear thee,..... But will either deny the fact, or extenuate and excuse it, or defend it, or at least is obstinate and incorrigible, shows no signs of repentance, but is angry, gives hard words, and ill language: then take with thee one or two more; members of the church, and perhaps of weight, reputation, and character, who either know some...
Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish--How, then, can He but visit for those "offenses" which endanger the souls of these little ones?