47 But Jesus, because he* knew the thoughts of their hearts, took hold of a child and had him stand beside him 48 and said to them, “Whoever welcomes this child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For the one who is least among you all—this one is great.”

Whoever Is Not Against Us Is for Us

49 And John answered and* said, “Master, we saw someone expelling demons in your name, and we tried to prevent him, because he does not follow in company with us.” 50 But Jesus said to him, “Do not prevent him,* because whoever is not against you is for you.”

Jesus Rejected in a Samaritan Village

51 Now it happened that when the days were approaching ⌊for him to be taken up⌋,g he set his* face to go to Jerusalem. 52 And he sent messengers before ⌊him⌋,h and they went and* entered into a village of the Samaritans in order to prepare for him. 53 And they did not welcome him because ⌊he was determined to go⌋i to Jerusalem. 54 Now when* the disciples James and John saw it,* they said, “Lord, do you want us to call fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” 55 But he turned around and* rebuked them, 56 and they proceeded to another village.

Would-be Followers

57 And as* they were traveling on the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go!” 58 And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his* head.” 59 And he said to another, “Follow me!” But he said, “Lord, first allow me to go and* bury my father.” 60 But he said to him, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead! But you go and* proclaim the kingdom of God.” 61 And another person also said, “I will follow you, Lord, but first allow me to say farewell to those in my house.” 62 But Jesus said,j “No one who puts his* hand on the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God!”