Luke 9:48 Meaning and Explanation
“And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Whoever welcomes this child in the name of Jesus welcomes Jesus himself, and so the Father who sent him; the least among them is the one who is great.
What Does Luke 9:48 Mean?
With the child beside him, Jesus overturns the scale his disciples were using: whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him that sent me. Then the verdict on their argument: he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.
Greatness in the kingdom is measured by welcome, not by rank, and the chain of welcome runs astonishingly high: a kindness shown to one small, overlooked person in the name of Christ is received by Christ, and through him by the Father who sent him. The lowest service touches the highest throne. Whoever stoops to the least finds that he has been welcoming the Lord himself.
Luke 9:48 in the Original Language
dechomai (δέχομαι), 'receive' -- to welcome as a guest.
Frequently Asked Questions About Luke 9:48
What does Luke 9:48 mean?
Whoever welcomes this child in the name of Jesus welcomes Jesus himself, and so the Father who sent him; the least among them is the one who is great.