The Greatest in the Kingdom

(Matthew 18:1–5; Mark 9:33–41)

46 Then an argument started among [the disciples] [as to] which of them would be [the] greatest. 47 But Jesus, knowing the thoughts of their hearts, had a little child {stand} beside Him. 48 And He said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in My name welcomes Me, and whoever welcomes Me welcomes the [One who] sent Me. For whoever is [the] least among all of you, he is [the] greatest.”

49 “Master,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in Your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not accompany us.”

50 “[Do] not stop [him],” Jesus replied, “for whoever is not against you is for you.”