The Second Prediction of His Death
43b While everyone was amazed at all the things he was doing, he told his disciples,
44 “Let these words sink in: The Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men.”
45 But they did not understand this statement; it was concealed from them so that they could not grasp it, and they were afraid to ask him about it.
Who Is the Greatest?
46 An argument started among them about who was the greatest of them.
47 But Jesus, knowing their inner thoughts, took a little child and had him stand next to him.
48 He told them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me. And whoever welcomes me welcomes him who sent me. For whoever is least among you—this one is great.”
In His Name
49 John responded, “Master, we saw someone driving out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him because he does not follow us.”
50 “Don’t stop him,” Jesus told him, “because whoever is not against you is for you.”
Commentary
(the following is from Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary, 1706 -- www.christianity.com)
"This prediction of Christ's sufferings was plain enough, but the disciples would not understand it, because it agreed not with their notions.
A little child is the emblem by which Christ teaches us simplicity and humility. What greater honor can any man attain to in this world, than to be received by men as a messenger of God and Christ; and to have God and Christ own themselves received and welcomed in him!
If ever any society of Christians in this world, had reason to silence those not of their own communion, the twelve disciples at this time had; yet Christ warned them not to do the like again. Those may be found faithful followers of Christ, and may be accepted of him, who do not follow with us."
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