46 Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest. 47 And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child, and set him by him, 48 And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great. (Luke 9:46-48 KJV)
Who Is the Greatest?
Not long after, the disciples argued among themselves about who would be the greatest (Luke 9:46). This kind of ambition often tempts even the followers of Christ. But Jesus, knowing their thoughts (Luke 9:47), set a child beside him and used the child as an example of humility. He taught them that true greatness lies in being lowly, not in striving for position. They were to embrace the spirit of a child—humble, content, and unambitious for worldly status.
“Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me” (Luke 9:48). Christ made it clear that service and humility are the path to honor. Receiving the lowly is equivalent to receiving Christ himself, and thus also receiving God.