King James Bible
"Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom."
Jesus addresses his disciples with tender pastoral imagery, acknowledging their vulnerability as a small, seemingly insignificant group facing opposition. The diminutive 'little flock' emphasizes both their weakness and God's protective care, echoing Old Testament promises to the faithful remnant. The kingdom comes not through human effort or merit but from God's delighted willingness—the Greek implies joy and satisfaction in the giving. This shifts the focus from the disciples' inadequacy to the Father's generous character. The future tense points to both present spiritual reality and ultimate fulfillment, as God's reign breaks into history through Christ. Unlike earthly kingdoms seized by force, this one is received as a gift from a loving parent.