Matthew 18:1-9 - The Question About Who Is Greatest

¹ AT that time came the disciples to Jesus, saying, Who is indeed the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?

² And Jesus calling a little boy, set him in the midst of them, ³ and said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be changed and be as little children, ye shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven. ⁴ Whosoever therefore shall humble himself, as this little child, he shall be greatest in the kingdom of heaven. ⁵ And whosoever shall receive one such little child in my name, receiveth me.

⁶ And whosoever shall cause one of these little ones, who believe in me, to stumble, it were better for him that a millstone was hung at his neck, and that he was sunk in the depth of the sea. ⁷ Wo to the world because of offences! for there is a necessity that offences come: nevertheless, wo to that man by whom the offence cometh! ⁸ If then thy hand, or thy foot, lead thee to offend, cut them off, and cast them from thee: for it were better for thee to enter into life, halting or maimed, than having two hands or two feet to be cast into the fire, which is eternal. ⁹ And if thine eye lead thee to offend, pluck it out and cast it from thee, for it were better for thee to enter into life with one eye only, than having two eyes to be cast into hell-fire.

³³ And he came to Capernaum: and when he was in the house, he asked them, What was the subject of your dispute among yourselves on the road? ³⁴ But they held their peace. For they had been disputing with each other on the road, which was the greatest. ³⁵ And when he was seated, he called the twelve, and saith to them, If any man desires to be the first, let him be last of all, and servant of all. ³⁶ And taking a little boy, he set him in the midst of them: and taking him in his arms, he said unto them, ³⁷ Whosoever shall receive one of such little children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever receiveth me, receiveth not me merely, but him that sent me.

⁴⁶ Then a dispute sprang up among them, which of them should be the greatest. ⁴⁷ But Jesus knowing the reasoning of their hearts, took a little boy, and set him by his side, ⁴⁸ and said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this little child in my name, receiveth me; and whosoever receiveth me, receiveth Him that sent me: for he who is the least among you all, he shall be great.