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

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

² And Jesus called a little child to him, and set him in the midst of them, ³ And said, Verily I say to you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. ⁴ Whoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. ⁵ And whoever shall receive one such little child in my name, receiveth me.

⁶ But whoever shall cause one of these little ones who believe in me, to sin, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. ⁷ Woe to the world because of offenses! for it must needs be that offenses come; but woe to that man by whom the offense cometh! ⁸ Wherefore, if thy hand or thy foot causeth thee to sin, cut them off, and cast them from thee: 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 thy eye causeth thee to sin, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell-fire.

³³ And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house, he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way? ³⁴ But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest. ³⁵ And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith to them, If any man desireth to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all. ³⁶ And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said to them, ³⁷ Whoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.

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 to them, Whoever shall receive this child in my name, receiveth me; and whoever shall receive me, receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.