Luke 9:48Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

He states, “Whoever receives this child in My name receives Me.” The essence of this message is clear: while you may believe that pride and servility will earn you the favor of many, truly, it is humility that delights Me the most. This quality is what sets My followers apart. Thus, anyone who embraces a sincere and unselfish servant as one of My disciples—this is what is meant by ‘in My name’—will be embracing Me. Conversely, anyone who accepts a haughty individual receives neither My disciple nor Me.

He continues by stating, 'Whoever receives this child in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me.' The reward for those who show respect to the saints remains consistent, regardless of whether the individual honored holds a lowly status or a high rank and dignity. This is because, in honoring them, one receives Christ, and through Him, also receives the Father. It is indeed foolish for them to engage in disputes regarding status and to seek superiority while they are welcomed on equal grounds. He clarifies this point further by saying, 'For whosoever of you is least among you is chief.' But how does one become chief when deemed the least? Is this comparison made based on virtue? But how can this be the case?

In this passage, the Lord imparts the value of humility without pride, love free from jealousy, and devotion devoid of wrath, urging us to embrace the spirit of a child while embodying the wisdom of a devoted spouse. Without claiming any merit, the child reflects the splendor of righteousness and, despite appearing irrational, is untouched by sin. Nevertheless, to many, childlike simplicity, unswayed by reason, may not be seen as a strength but rather as frailty. Hence, you are called to pursue authentic righteousness, consciously striving to enhance what is intrinsically given by our nature. This resonates with the teachings of Philo of Alexandria on the divine likeness, emphasizing innate morality, practice, and doctrine.

He declared to them, "Whoever welcomes this child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me." He conveyed various teachings prior to this, which Matthew has documented, revealing the meaning behind these words, so one should examine Matthew's account. "For among you, the one who is least shall be the greatest." This is the ultimate purpose for which He presented the child—he refers to the least as the most humble. This message is echoed in the fortieth chapter of Matthew’s Gospel; refer to the section in the middle of that chapter.

He who receives me receives the one who sent me, says the Lord; and the one who sent Him is God. Thus, he who acknowledges the Lord acknowledges God, whereas he who does not acknowledge Him does not acknowledge God. You may claim, 'I recognize Christ as an esteemed, wise, and universal teacher.' However, you must acknowledge Him as He describes Himself; and He states that He and the Father are one, sharing the same divine essence, distinct yet united and co-equal. If one fails to confess Him in this manner, despite any attempts to honor the Lord, it ultimately amounts to a refusal to acknowledge Him; consequently, not acknowledging Him means one does not acknowledge the Father nor God Himself.

In conclusion, the Lord, having previously illustrated the virtue of self-humiliation by choosing not to pay tribute, aimed to further emphasize the importance of this quality in the character of his disciples. Taking a child and positioning it among them, as tradition suggests was Ignatius the Theologian, He stated that unless they all become like children in spirit, they cannot truly enter the kingdom of heaven, the realm of the Messiah—pure and modest. He explained that those desiring greatness must humble themselves to the level of this child; the more one embodies a childlike heart, the less they will regard themselves and their own importance. Conversely, He taught that whoever wishes to be first must become the servant of all (Mk. 10:35).

In the Gospel of Luke, it is recorded that Jesus, aware of the inner thoughts of His disciples, imparted the teachings on humility. Similarly, in the Gospel of Mark, we see that Christ arrived at a house in Capernaum and inquired about their discussions with one another. When they fell silent, embarrassed to admit their debate over who was greatest among them, He began to instruct them on the virtue of humility. Furthermore, the Gospel of Matthew recounts that the disciples approached Jesus and posed the question, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" There seems to be no conflict between the accounts of Luke and Mark.

Understand that anyone who welcomes one of my disciples in my name, who assists him in his time of need or acts as his servant, is also welcoming me. Moreover, because I dwell in the Father and the Father dwells in me, anyone who accepts me is, in turn, receiving the Father who has sent me.

The Redeemer listened to their debate, and upon their arrival in the city, He inquired about the conversation they had during the journey. This question stirred their consciences, causing them to feel embarrassed. Subsequently, Christ took a child and set him among them, urging them to adopt the mindset of little ones—innocent, humble, and unpretentious—asserting that only then could they enter the kingdom of heaven. In this straightforward manner, He reiterated the teaching He had previously shared during the Sermon on the Mount, which they had now entirely overlooked.

In the Gospel of Luke, the Lord teaches His followers about the importance of humility. This teaching is briefer in Luke compared to Mark. While the passage in Luke is more concise overall, it offers additional details that are not present in Matthew. For further insights, refer to the notes on Matthew 18:1-5 and Mark 9:33-41 regarding these teachings. Additionally, see the commentary on Mark 9:33-34 concerning "perceiving the thoughts of their heart."

The disciples, as Blessed Theophylact notes, still had “human thoughts” and engaged in a discussion amongst themselves as they traveled, which prompted the Lord to impart an essential lesson about morality. Once they reached the house, they approached Jesus, asking, “Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?” Aware of their ambitious inclinations, Jesus cautioned them and inquired, “What are you thinking about on the way?” They remained silent, ashamed to admit that they had been arguing about their own greatness. The Lord then sat down, gathered the twelve apostles around Him, and instructed them, “Whoever wishes to be first must become the servant of all.” This teaching, which would later be elaborated by Jesus (Matt.