“Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The true weight of this verse isn't just about kindness to children, but about embracing those who possess a humble, child-like spirit, recognizing that such genuine faith is deeply precious to Jesus. Receiving them "in my name" means acknowledging and valuing them because of their connection to Him, seeing them as reflections of His own character.
“Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just shown his disciples that true greatness in his kingdom is found in humility, using a child as a prime example of this childlike spirit. He emphasizes that unless they transform and become like these humble children, they won't even enter his kingdom. This verse directly follows, explaining the profound significance of showing kindness and acceptance to such humble followers, equating it to receiving Jesus himself.
When Jesus talks about 'little children,' is he always talking about actual kids? Or could it be something more?
The verse says, "whoever receives one such child... receives me." The context here is Jesus answering his disciples' question about who is the greatest in the kingdom. He sets a child before them, not just as a cute example, but as a representation of true discipleship.
The Heart of a Disciple
So, when you show kindness to someone who embodies these Christ-like qualities, you're not just being nice to them; you're embodying the very spirit of Christ himself.
What does it really mean to do something 'in Jesus' name'?
The phrase "in my name" (or "on my name" as some translations put it) is powerful. It's not just a casual sign-off; it speaks to the reason and basis for our actions.
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Motive and Identity
Understand the original words
dechomai · Greek Verb
To welcome, accept, or take into one's company; in a spiritual sense, it involves embracing the gospel and the representatives of Christ as a way of welcoming Christ himself.
en tō onomati mou · Greek Noun
To act as an authorized representative of a person; doing something 'in the name of' Jesus signifies acting by his authority, in his character, and for his glory.
This teaching reflects Jesus' final discourses before His crucifixion, emphasizing humility and care for His followers in a context where His disciples were grappling with their own status and understanding of His kingdom.
c. AD 27-30— this verse
Jesus' Public Ministry
Jesus travels throughout Galilee and Judea, teaching, healing, and gathering disciples. This period is the immediate backdrop for His interactions with the crowds and His disciples.
c. AD 28
Disciples' Ambition
The disciples argue about who is the greatest, revealing their misunderstanding of Jesus' kingdom and their own pride. This prompts Jesus' teaching on humility in Matthew 18.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Passion Week
Jesus enters Jerusalem, teaches in the temple, and institutes the Last Supper, leading to His betrayal, crucifixion, and resurrection. Matthew 18 is part of Jesus' final teachings before His arrest.
c. AD 60-62
Writing of the Gospel of Matthew
The Apostle Matthew likely records Jesus' teachings and ministry, including the Sermon on the Mount and instructions to His disciples, for a Jewish Christian audience. This verse is preserved within his Gospel.
This passage directly parallels Matthew 18:5, stating that welcoming a disciple is equivalent to welcoming Jesus Himself, highlighting the profound connection between Jesus and His followers.
Matthew 25:40This verse expands on the theme by showing how acts of kindness to the 'least of these' (which includes those with child-like humility) are seen as acts of kindness to Jesus, demonstrating the broad application of this principle.
Mark 9:37This verse, from the parallel account, reinforces the idea that receiving a humble follower is equivalent to receiving Jesus, emphasizing that Jesus identifies Himself with those who possess a child-like spirit.
1 Corinthians 6:11While not a direct quote, this verse speaks to the transformation that occurs when one is washed and sanctified, which aligns with the idea of becoming 'like a little child' in humility and dependence, a state Jesus values highly.
vincentMatthew 18:5: "And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me."
In my name (ἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματί μου)Lit., upon my name; on the ground of, or on account of; for my sake.
barnesMatthew 18:5: "And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me."
And whoso shall receive one such little child - That is, whoso shall receive and love one with a spirit like this child one who is humble, meek, and unambitious - that is, a real Christian. In my name - As a follower of me, or because he is attached to me. Whoso receives one possessed of my spirit, or who loves him because he has that spirit, loves me also. The word "receive" means to approve, love, or treat…
The true weight of this verse isn't just about kindness to children, but about embracing those who possess a humble, child-like spirit, recognizing that such genuine faith is deeply precious to Jesus. Receiving them "in my name" means acknowledging and valuing them because of their connection to Him, seeing them as reflections of His own character.
Jesus has just shown his disciples that true greatness in his kingdom is found in humility, using a child as a prime example of this childlike spirit. He emphasizes that unless they transform and become like these humble children, they won't even enter his kingdom. This verse directly follows, explaining the profound significance of showing kindness and acceptance to such humble followers, equating it to receiving Jesus himself.
Jesus has just shown his disciples that true greatness in his kingdom is found in humility, using a child as a prime example of this childlike spirit. He emphasizes that unless they transform and become like these humble children, they won't even enter his kingdom. This verse directly follows, explaining the profound significance of showing kindness and acceptance to such humble followers, equating it to receiving Jesus himself.
"“Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me," — The true weight of this verse isn't just about kindness to children, but about embracing those who possess a humble, child-like spirit, recognizing that such genuine faith is deeply precious to Jesus…
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Last reviewed October 2026