Luke 9:48

KJV

And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} said {G2036} unto them {G846}, Whosoever {G3739}{G1437} shall receive {G1209} this {G5124} child {G3813} in {G1909} my {G3450} name {G3686} receiveth {G1209} me {G1691}: and {G2532} whosoever {G3739}{G1437} shall receive {G1209} me {G1691} receiveth him {G1209} that sent {G649} me {G3165}: for {G1063} he that is {G5225} least {G3398} among {G1722} you {G5213} all {G3956}, the same {G3778} shall be {G2071} great {G3173}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and said to them, “Whoever welcomes this child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the One who sent me. In other words, the one who is least among you all — this is the one who is great.”

Berean Standard Bible

And He said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in My name welcomes Me, and whoever welcomes Me welcomes the One who sent Me. For whoever is the least among all of you, he is the greatest.”

American Standard Version

and said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this little child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same is great.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 9:48 presents Jesus' radical redefinition of greatness, contrasting worldly ambition with the values of the Kingdom of God. Following a dispute among His disciples about who was the greatest, Jesus uses a child as an object lesson, teaching that true significance is found not in seeking prominence but in embracing humility. He reveals a profound spiritual truth: welcoming the humble and vulnerable in His name is equivalent to welcoming Christ Himself, and in turn, welcoming the Father who sent Him, culminating in the paradoxical truth that the one who is least in human estimation will be great in God's eyes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is Jesus' direct and profound response to a specific incident described immediately prior in [Luke 9:46](/luke/9-46 "Luke 9:46 - The Disciples' Dispute"). The disciples had been engaged in a private argument about "who should be the greatest" among them, reflecting a common human desire for status and hierarchy, even within Jesus' inner circle. Jesus, "perceiving the thought of their heart" ([Luke 9:47](/luke/9-47 "Luke 9:47 - Jesus Perceives Their Thoughts")), takes a small child and places him beside Himself. This physical act serves as a living parable, setting the stage for the verbal instruction in verse 48, where Jesus unpacks the spiritual implications of embracing the humble. The verse thus serves as a pivotal teaching moment, challenging the disciples' worldly perspectives on power and influence.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient world, and particularly within first-century Jewish society, children held very little social status, power, or legal standing. They were largely considered dependents, not significant individuals in their own right. Adults, especially men, were valued based on their lineage, wealth, wisdom, and position. By placing a child at the center of this teaching, Jesus deliberately chose the antithesis of what His disciples, and society at large, would consider "great." This act subverts the prevailing cultural norms and highlights Jesus' counter-cultural Kingdom values. Furthermore, the concept of "receiving" someone was deeply embedded in the culture of hospitality, implying a genuine welcome, care, and identification with the one being received. To receive someone "in my name" carried the weight of acting as an authorized representative, embodying the character and mission of the one whose name was invoked.

* **Key Themes:** Luke 9:48 is rich with several interconnected themes central to Jesus' ministry and the nature of the Kingdom of God. Firstly, it radically redefines **Humility and Greatness**. Unlike the world's metrics of power and influence, Jesus declares that true greatness in God's kingdom is found in a posture of humility and servanthood, a theme consistently taught by Christ, as seen when He states that "the last will be first, and the first will be last" in [Matthew 20:16](/matthew/20-16 "Matthew 20:16 - The Last Shall Be First"). Secondly, the verse establishes a profound **Divine Identification**. Receiving a humble child in Jesus' name is equated with receiving Jesus Himself, and receiving Jesus is equated with receiving God the Father who sent Him. This chain underscores the unity within the Godhead and emphasizes that how one treats the "least" directly reflects one's relationship with God, echoing the principle found in [Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Matthew 25:40 - Whatever You Did for the Least of These"). Lastly, the presence of the child highlights the theme of **Childlike Faith and Dependence**. The child symbolizes not only low social status but also a spirit of trust, dependence, and lack of self-sufficiency, qualities Jesus often commended, urging His followers to become "like little children" to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, as taught in [Matthew 18:3](/matthew/18-3 "Matthew 18:3 - Becoming Like Children").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **receive (Greek, _déchomai'_):** This verb signifies more than a mere physical acceptance; it implies a genuine welcome, an embrace, or an acceptance into one's company or care. In this context, it speaks to an active, intentional act of hospitality and identification with the one being received, reflecting an alignment with the values and character of the one in whose name the reception occurs.
* **name (Greek, _ónoma'_):** In biblical thought, a "name" encompasses more than just a label; it represents the person's character, authority, reputation, and very essence. To receive someone "in my name" means to receive them by Jesus' authority, representing His character, for His purposes, and as if receiving Him directly. It signifies an action done in alignment with Jesus' identity and mission.
* **least (Greek, _mikrós'_):** This word denotes something small in size, quantity, number, or, significantly, in dignity or importance. Here, it refers to those who are humble, lowly, or of little account in the eyes of the world or even within a community. Jesus uses this term to challenge conventional notions of status, indicating that those considered "least" by human standards are paradoxically the ones God values most for greatness in His kingdom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me:"** This clause establishes a direct spiritual equivalence. Jesus uses the child, a symbol of humility and low social status, to illustrate that extending genuine welcome and care to such a person, done with the authority and character of Jesus ("in my name"), is precisely equivalent to welcoming Jesus Himself. It highlights the profound identification Jesus has with the humble and vulnerable.
* **"and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me:"** This second clause extends the chain of identification further, revealing the unity within the Godhead. Receiving Jesus, who embodies the Father's will and character, is synonymous with receiving God the Father. This emphasizes that how one responds to Christ's teachings and His representatives directly impacts one's relationship with God.
* **"for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great."** This final clause presents a powerful paradox that encapsulates Jesus' Kingdom values. It directly counters the disciples' worldly ambition for preeminence. Jesus declares that true greatness in God's economy is not achieved through self-promotion or status-seeking, but through humility, self-denial, and a willingness to serve others, particularly those considered "least" by societal standards. This humility is the pathway to divine exaltation.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 9:48 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Symbolism** is central, with the "child" serving as a potent symbol of humility, dependence, and low social status in ancient society. By elevating the child, Jesus subverts conventional notions of power and importance. The verse also presents a striking **Paradox**, encapsulated in the statement, "he that is least among you all, the same shall be great." This inversion of worldly values is a hallmark of Jesus' teaching, challenging His audience to rethink their understanding of success and significance. Furthermore, the verse exhibits a form of **Chain of Identification** or **Metonymy**, where the act of receiving one person or entity stands for receiving another: receiving the child stands for receiving Jesus, and receiving Jesus stands for receiving the Father. This rhetorical device underscores the profound spiritual unity and the direct connection between human actions towards the humble and the divine response.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 9:48 is a cornerstone of Jesus' teaching on the nature of the Kingdom of God, revealing an "upside-down" economy where humility, not hierarchy, is the pathway to true greatness. It profoundly connects the treatment of the marginalized to one's relationship with God, asserting that genuine welcome and care for the "least" is an act of worship and obedience directed towards Christ and the Father. This passage underscores the divine solidarity with the vulnerable, inviting believers to embody God's heart for the humble and to align their values with His. It challenges the inherent human tendency towards self-exaltation, calling for a radical reorientation towards servanthood and a childlike dependence on God.

* [Matthew 18:3-4](/matthew/18-3-4 "Matthew 18:3-4 - Becoming Like Children to Enter the Kingdom")
* [Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Matthew 25:40 - Serving the Least of These")
* [Mark 9:35](/mark/9-35 "Mark 9:35 - The First Shall Be Last Through Servanthood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 9:48 serves as a powerful mirror, reflecting our own hearts and challenging our ingrained assumptions about status, success, and significance. In a world that often celebrates power, influence, and self-promotion, Jesus' words call us to a radical re-evaluation of what truly matters. We are invited to examine our motivations: do we seek to be seen as great by human standards, or do we humbly embrace the path of servanthood, valuing those whom the world often overlooks? This verse compels us to extend genuine welcome, compassion, and practical care to the vulnerable, the marginalized, and the "least" in our communities, recognizing that in doing so, we are ministering directly to Christ Himself. It encourages us to cultivate a spirit of childlike humility and dependence, trusting in God's provision and wisdom rather than relying on our own strength or striving for worldly recognition. Ultimately, it reminds us that true spiritual greatness is found not in what we accumulate or achieve for ourselves, but in how we humbly serve and love others, reflecting the very heart of our Savior.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to seek recognition or strive for greatness by worldly standards?**
* **How does my treatment of the "least" or most vulnerable in my community reflect my relationship with Jesus?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to "receive" someone who might be considered "least" in my sphere of influence?**
* **How can I cultivate a more childlike spirit of humility and dependence in my walk with God?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus use a child as an example?**

Answer: Jesus used a child as an example precisely because children in first-century Jewish society held very low social status, power, and influence. They were dependents, not figures of authority or prestige. By placing a child at the center of His teaching, Jesus deliberately chose the antithesis of what His disciples were arguing about (who was "greatest"). He used the child to symbolize humility, vulnerability, and dependence, thereby subverting the disciples' worldly understanding of greatness and illustrating that true significance in God's Kingdom comes from a posture of lowliness and a willingness to serve, rather than from seeking prominence or power, a theme echoed in [Matthew 18:3-4](/matthew/18-3-4 "Matthew 18:3-4 - Becoming Like Children").

**What does it mean to "receive this child in my name"?**

Answer: To "receive this child in my name" means to welcome, accept, and care for someone, particularly the humble or vulnerable, not merely as an act of human kindness, but as an act done by Jesus' authority, representing His character, and for His purposes. The "name" of Jesus embodies His very essence, mission, and authority. Therefore, receiving someone "in His name" implies embodying Christ's love, humility, and compassion towards them, recognizing that such an act is spiritually equivalent to receiving Jesus Himself, and by extension, receiving God the Father who sent Him. This concept is foundational to Christian hospitality and service, as seen in [Matthew 10:40](/matthew/10-40 "Matthew 10:40 - Receiving Jesus' Messengers").

**How does this verse relate to Christian leadership?**

Answer: This verse radically redefines Christian leadership by turning worldly notions of hierarchy and power upside down. Instead of leadership being about status, control, or being "greatest" in human eyes, Jesus teaches that true leadership in His Kingdom is characterized by humility, servanthood, and a willingness to identify with and care for the "least." A leader who embraces the spirit of this verse will prioritize the needs of others, especially the vulnerable, and lead with a humble heart, recognizing that their authority comes from God and is expressed through service, mirroring Jesus' own example as the ultimate servant leader, as described in [Mark 10:43-45](/mark/10-43-45 "Mark 10:43-45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 9:48 finds its ultimate fulfillment and most profound expression in the person and work of Jesus Christ Himself. Jesus, though [equal with God](/philippians/2-6 "Philippians 2:6 - Christ's Equality with God"), did not cling to His divine status but "made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation")), becoming the "least" in human estimation through His incarnation, suffering, and death on the cross. He perfectly embodied the "least" in His identification with humanity, particularly the poor, the sick, and the marginalized. By receiving Him, the one sent by the Father, humanity receives God Himself, as Jesus declared, "Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father" ([John 14:9](/john/14-9 "John 14:9 - Seeing the Father Through Jesus")). His entire life was a living demonstration of the principle that true greatness is found in humble service, culminating in His sacrificial death, which was the ultimate act of servanthood, leading to His exaltation "to the highest place" ([Philippians 2:9](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9 - Christ's Exaltation")). Thus, Jesus is both the perfect example of the "least who shall be great" and the divine recipient of all who welcome Him and His humble representatives.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 14:11

For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

1 Peter 5:6

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

Luke 22:26

But ye [shall] not [be] so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.

Matthew 10:40

He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.

Matthew 10:42

And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold [water] only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.

Luke 10:16

He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.

John 13:20

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.