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Matthew 18:5
ESV "Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me,
NIV And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.
NASB And whoever receives one such child in My name, receives Me;
CSB And whoever welcomes one child like this in my name welcomes me.
NLT And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me.
KJV And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.
NKJV Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.

What does Matthew 18:5 mean?

Jesus is answering a question from the disciples with some shocking statements. They have asked who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. He has replied that unless one turns to become like a child, that person will not even enter the kingdom. He has also said that the one who humbles himself like a child will be the greatest in the kingdom.

Now Jesus continues to talk about children, perhaps giving an example of the kind of humility He means. He says that whoever receives a child in His name also receives Him. Most commentators believe Jesus was no longer talking about actual children but was describing His adult followers as such children because of the child-like faith and humility required to enter the kingdom of heaven.

If so, this statement is similar to what Jesus said in Matthew 10:40-42:
"Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me…And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward."
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