Therefore, whoever breaks even one of these least commandments and teaches people to do so will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
In this saying Jesus emphasizes the believer’s responsibility toward the word of God. He shows that none of God’s commandments is insignificant, and that keeping them is measured not only by personal obedience, but also by the influence one leaves on others. “Will be called least” means that he loses his honor before God, because the one who disregards God’s commandments or weakens their importance, by his example weakens the faith of others. But “will be called great” means that he is found worthy of God’s approval and glory, because he not only lives by the truth himself, but also teaches others with the same faithfulness. This saying testifies that the standard of the kingdom of heaven is not words but deeds, and that greatness before God is determined by the standards of obedience and exemplary service.