Matthew 18:5 - Printer Friendly

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.

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."

Matthew 18:1–6 describes Jesus' surprising answer to a question from the disciples about who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. He calls a child to Him and puts that child in the middle of the group. He says they must become "like children" in order to enter the kingdom—a reference to humility and sincere obedience. The greatest is one who humbles himself in this way. Those who receive children like that in Jesus' name receive Him. Using the metaphor of drowning, Jesus warns anyone who would cause one of His followers to sin.

Jesus uses two questions from the disciples to teach important lessons. The "greatest" in the kingdom is the one who humbles himself like a child. Temptation is unavoidable in earthly life, but it's worth going to extremes to avoid falling for it. Even so, those who fall should not be hated and despised. God the Father values them highly and wants none of them to perish. In fact, Jesus lays out a clear, careful process to confront sin in others before removing them from the community. Christ also replies to Peter's question about forgiveness with a parable. This story represents both God's amazing forgiveness, and the way we ought to respond as Christians.

Matthew 18 follows the action of the previous chapter with teaching from Jesus on several issues. These include humility, using the example of a child. Jesus also teaches about avoiding sin and offering forgiveness to others. Interestingly, the following chapter will also feature references to children and to wealth, as Christ continues to explain the will of God to His disciples.

The Gospel of Matthew clearly shows the influence of its writer's background, and his effort to reach a specific audience. Matthew was one of Jesus' twelve disciples, a Jewish man, and a former tax collector. This profession would have required literacy, and Matthew may have transcribed some of Jesus' words as they were spoken. This book is filled with references to the Old Testament, demonstrating to Israel that Jesus is the Promised One. Matthew also includes many references to coins, likely due to his former profession. Matthew records extensive accounts of Jesus' teaching, more than the other three Gospels.

Accessed 5/4/2024 12:50:02 PM