Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. … Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. … Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord,” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only those who do the will of my Father who is in heaven. … At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a little child, whom he placed among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes a humble place—becoming like this child—is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.”

Anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

Mt 3:2; Mt 5:3, Mt 5:10, Mt 11:11; Mt 7:21, Mt 18:1-5; Mt 5:19

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®             Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.®                                                            Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.