True Greatness^(A)

⁴⁶ Later, an argument started among the disciples^[a] as to which of them might be the greatest. ⁴⁷ But Jesus, knowing their inner thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside him. ⁴⁸ Then he told them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me, because the one who is least among all of you is the one who is greatest.”

The Person who is Not against You is for You^(B)

⁴⁹ John said, “Master, we saw someone driving out demons in your name. We tried to stop him, because he wasn’t a follower like us.”

⁵⁰ Jesus told him, “Don’t stop him! Because whoever is not against you is for you.”

An Argument about Greatness

²⁴ Now an argument sprang up among them as to which one of them was to be regarded as the greatest. ²⁵ But he told them, “The kings of the unbelievers^[a] lord it over them, and those who exercise authority over them are called benefactors. ²⁶ But you are not to do so. On the contrary, the greatest among you should become like the youngest, and the one who leads should become like the one who serves. ²⁷ Because who is greater, the one who sits at the table, or the one who serves? It is the one at the table, isn’t it? But I’m among you as one who serves.