Luke 9:46-48
An argument arose among them as to which of them was the greatest. But Jesus, knowing the reasoning of their hearts, took a child and put him by his side and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For he who is least among you all is the one who is great.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Just after Jesus spoke of his coming suffering and death, the disciples started arguing about who among them was the greatest. This shows how deeply ingrained their desire for earthly status was, completely overshadowing their grasp of Jesus's message of humility and self-sacrifice.
Just moments after Jesus had spoken profoundly about his impending suffering and death, the disciples found themselves caught up in an argument about who among them was the most important. This wasn't long after they had witnessed Jesus' power and glory on the Mount of Transfiguration, and their minds were clearly wrestling with earthly notions of greatness, even as divine truths were being revealed.
The disciples had just witnessed Jesus' power, yet their minds wandered to something completely different. Why is it that our greatest spiritual moments can sometimes be followed by our most selfish thoughts?
The disciples' argument about who was the greatest arose at one of the most inopportune times.
A Moment of Awe, Followed by Arrogance
Jesus had just performed a mighty miracle, and the disciples were amazed. Yet, instead of reflecting on God's power and glory, their minds immediately turned inward to personal status and ranking. This highlights how easily our fleshly desires can hijack even sacred moments.
The Flesh's Persistent Pull
As Bengel notes, 'the flesh often takes occasion for its motions.' Even in the face of divine power, the disciples' ambition and desire for preeminence found a way to surface. This isn't unique to them; it's a persistent challenge for all believers.
Jesus didn't just rebuke the disciples; He gave them a radical, unforgettable lesson. What does it truly mean to be great in God's eyes?
Jesus counters the disciples' worldly ambition with a completely counter-cultural definition of greatness, using a child as His teaching tool.
Humility Over Hierarchy
When the disciples argued about who was greatest, Jesus called a child and placed him among them. He taught that true greatness in God's kingdom is found not in asserting oneself or seeking status, but in humility. The child, symbolizing innocence, dependence, and lack of self-importance, became the model.
True Greatness is Service
As Calvin explains, Jesus' point was that 'he that is least among you all shall be great.' This doesn't mean seeking to be lowly for show, but genuinely divesting oneself of pride and self-concern. It means becoming like a little child in simplicity and dependence on God, willing to serve rather than be served.
Understand the original words
dialogismos · Greek Noun
A hostile or heated discussion, often implying rivalry or disagreement. In a biblical context, it frequently highlights the sinful nature of human pride and conflict among those who should be united in purpose.
meizōn · Greek Adjective
The highest, most important, or greatest in rank or influence. Jesus frequently subverts this cultural ambition by redefining greatness in the kingdom of God as humble service.
kardia · Greek Noun
The inner life, mind, or center of human thought, will, and emotion. In Scripture, it is the seat of moral choices and the place where God evaluates the true intentions of an individual.
dechomai · Greek Verb
This argument among Jesus' closest followers reveals their struggle to reconcile his predictions of suffering with their own expectations of worldly power and prestige in his kingdom.
c. AD 28-30
Jesus' Public Ministry
Jesus travels throughout Galilee, teaching, healing, and gathering disciples. His popularity grows, leading to increasing attention from both followers and opposition.
c. AD 29
Jesus Predicts His Death
Jesus begins to reveal to his disciples that he will suffer and be killed, and then rise again. This message often confuses and troubles them.
c. AD 29
Disciples Witness Jesus' Glory
The disciples witness the Transfiguration, a powerful demonstration of Jesus' divine glory. This event likely intensifies their hopes for Jesus' earthly kingdom.
c. AD 29— this verse
Disciples Argue About Greatness
Shortly after witnessing Jesus' divine power and hearing about his impending suffering, the disciples engage in a heated discussion about who among them is the most important.
This passage directly parallels Luke's account, showing the disciples asking Jesus 'Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?' and Jesus' subsequent teaching on humility.
Mark 9:33Mark's Gospel also records this incident, highlighting Jesus' question to the disciples about their argument and his use of a child to illustrate greatness.
John 13:34Jesus introduces a new commandment to 'love one another as I have loved you,' which stands in stark contrast to the disciples' self-serving ambition for greatness.
Philippians 2:3Paul echoes Jesus' teaching by urging believers to 'do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves,' directly addressing the disciples' attitude.
1 Peter 5:5Peter advises younger men to 'clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble,'' reinforcing the divine perspective on the disciples' argument.
barnesLuke 9:46: "Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest."
See the notes at Matthew 18:1-5 . Compare Mark 9:33-38 .
vincentLuke 9:46: "Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest."
A reasoning (διαλογισμὸς)A debate or discussion. See on Luke 24:38, and James 1:22; James 2:4.
Just after Jesus spoke of his coming suffering and death, the disciples started arguing about who among them was the greatest. This shows how deeply ingrained their desire for earthly status was, completely overshadowing their grasp of Jesus's message of humility and self-sacrifice.
Just moments after Jesus had spoken profoundly about his impending suffering and death, the disciples found themselves caught up in an argument about who among them was the most important. This wasn't long after they had witnessed Jesus' power and glory on the Mount of Transfiguration, and their minds were clearly wrestling with earthly notions of greatness, even as divine truths were being revealed.
Just moments after Jesus had spoken profoundly about his impending suffering and death, the disciples found themselves caught up in an argument about who among them was the most important. This wasn't long after they had witnessed Jesus' power and glory on the Mount of Transfiguration, and their minds were clearly wrestling with earthly notions of greatness, even as divine truths were being revealed.
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To welcome, accept, or take into one's company or fellowship. In this context, it implies identifying with and validating someone based on the authority of another.
onoma · Greek Noun
A technical term for acting as a representative or under the authority of another person. Using this name signifies allegiance to the person’s power, character, and mission.
mikroteros · Greek Adjective
The least, smallest, or most humble in status or importance. Jesus teaches that those who lower themselves in service are the ones truly exalted by God.
c. AD 29
Jesus Teaches Humility
Jesus uses a child as an example to teach his disciples that true greatness in God's kingdom is found in humility and service, not in status or power.
"An argument arose among them as to which of them was the greatest. But Jesus, knowing the reasoning of their hearts, took a child and put him by his side and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever re…" — Just after Jesus spoke of his coming suffering and death, the disciples started arguing about who among them was the greatest. This shows how deeply ingrained their desire for earthly status was, com…
