Who Is the Greatest?

18 At that time^[a](A) the disciples^(B) came to Jesus and said, “Who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”^(C)

² Then He called a child to Him and had him stand among them. ³ “I assure you,” He said, “unless you are converted^[b] and become like children,^(D) you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.^{(E) 4} Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child—this one is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. ⁵ And whoever welcomes^[c] one child like this in My name welcomes Me.

Who is the Greatest?

³³ Then^(A) they came to Capernaum.^(B) When He was in the house,^(C) He asked them, “What were you arguing about on the way?”^{(D) 34} But they were silent,^(E) because on the way they had been arguing with one another about who was the greatest.^{(F) 35} Sitting down, He called the Twelve^(G) and said to them, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.”^{(H) 36} Then He took a child,^(I) had him stand among them, and taking him in His arms, He said to them, ³⁷ “Whoever welcomes^[a] one little child such as this in My name^(J) welcomes Me. And whoever welcomes Me does not welcome Me, but Him who sent^(K) Me.”^(L)

The Dispute over Greatness

²⁴ Then a dispute also arose among them about who should be considered the greatest.^(A)