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

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

² And he called a child to him, and set him in the midst of them, ³ and said, Truly do I say to you, Unless ye are changed, and become as children, ye will not enter the kingdom of heaven. ⁴ Whoever therefore shall humble himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. ⁵ And whoever receiveth one such child in my name, receiveth me.

⁶ But whoever shall cause one of these little ones that believe in me to fall away, it were better for him to have a great millstone hung round his neck, and be swallowed up in the depth of the sea. ⁷ Woe to the world because of stumblingblocks! For it must needs be that stumblingblocks come; but woe to the man through whom the stumblingblock cometh! ⁸ And if thy hand or thy foot is causing thee to fall, cut it off, and cast it from thee; it is better for thee to enter into life maimed or lame, than having two hands, or two feet, to be cast into the everlasting fire. ⁹ And if thine eye is causing thee to fall, pluck it out, and cast it from thee; it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hellfire.

³³ And they came to Capernaum; and having come into the house, he asked them, About what were ye disputing on the road? ³⁴ But they were silent; for on the road they had been disputing with one another, who was greatest. ³⁵ And sitting down, he called the twelve, and saith to them, If any one desire to be first, he will be last of all, and servant of all. ³⁶ And he took a child, and placed him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them, ³⁷ Whoever receiveth one of these children in my name, receiveth me; and whoever receiveth me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.

⁴⁶ And there arose a reasoning among them, which of them was greatest. ⁴⁷ And Jesus knowing the reasoning of their heart, took a child and set him by his side, ⁴⁸ and said to them, Whoever receiveth this child in my name, receiveth me; and whoever receiveth me, receiveth him who sent me. For he that is least among you all, he is great.