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

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

² And Jesus calling to Him a little child, set it in the midst of them, ³ and said, Verily I declare unto you, unless ye be converted, and become like little children, ye shall never 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 whoever shall receive one such little child for my sake, receiveth me:

⁶ but whosoever shall lay a stumbling-block in the way of one of these little ones, who believe in me, it were better for him that a milstone were hung on his neck, and that he were thrown into the sea. ⁷ Wo will be to the world from such offenses; for it is of necessity that offenses come: but wo to that man by whom the offense cometh. ⁸ If then thy hand or thy foot cause thee to offend, cut them off and cast them from thee; it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire: ⁹ and if thine eye cause thee to offend, pluck it out and cast it from thee; it is better for thee to enter into life with but one eye, 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 were ye disputing about among yourselves by the way? ³⁴ But they held their peace; for they had been disputing with each other by the way who should be the greatest. ³⁵ So He sat down and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any one would be first, let him be last of all, and servant of all. ³⁶ And He took a child and set him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms He said unto them, ³⁷ Whoever shall receive one of these little children in my name, receiveth me; and whosoever receiveth me, receiveth not me only, but Him that sent me.

⁴⁶ Then a dispute rose among them, which of them should be greatest. ⁴⁷ And Jesus knowing the thought of their heart, took a child and set him by Him, and said unto them, ⁴⁸ Whosoever shall receive this little child for my sake, receiveth me: and he that receiveth me, receiveth Him that sent me. For he that is lest among you all, shall be great.