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

¹ At the same time came the disciples to Jesus, saying, who is to be the greatest in the kingdom of the Messiah?

² and Jesus called a child to him, set him in the midst of them, ³ and said, I declare to you, except ye lay aside your ambition, and become as children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of the Messias. ⁴ he therefore who shall become as void of ambition as this child, he shall be greatest in the kingdom of the Messiah. ⁵ and whoever shall receive one that is like such a child, in my name, receiveth me.

⁶ But whoever shall occasion such an humble believer to fall off from the faith, it were better for him that a mill-stone were hang'd about his neck, and that he were plung'd to the bottom of the sea. ⁷ wo unto the world, because of such scandals: tho' it cannot be, but that such occasions of relapsing should happen: yet wo to that man by whom the scandal cometh. ⁸ wherefore if thy hand or thy foot occasions thee to relapse, lop them off, and cast them away: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into everlasting fire. ⁹ and if thine eye occasions thee to relapse, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two to be cast into hell-fire.

³³ At length, he arrived at Capernaum, where being in his own house, he asked his disciples, what were you disputing about by the way? ³⁴ at which they were silent, for upon the road they had disputed about precedency. ³⁵ then sitting down, he address'd himself to the twelve, saying, he that would be the first, must be the last of all, and the servant of all. ³⁶ then taking a little child, he set him down before them; and embracing him in his arms, he said to them, ³⁷ whoever receives such a child as this upon my account, receives me; and he that receiveth me, does not so properly receive me, as the commands of him that sent me.

⁴⁶ At length they enter'd into a debate, which of them should be the greatest. ⁴⁷ but Jesus perceiving what they thought, took a child and set him before him: then said to them, ⁴⁸ whoever receives such a child in my name, receives me: and he that receives me, receives him that sent me. for he that is least among you all, he shall be greatest.