The Test of Greatness

46 aAn argument 1started among them as to which of them might be the greatest.

47 But Jesus, aknowing 1what they were thinking in their heart, took a child and stood him by His side,

48 and said to them, “aWhoever receives this child in My name receives Me, and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me; bfor the one who is least among all of you, this is the one who is great.”

49 aJohn answered and said, “bMaster, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name; and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow along with us.”

50 But Jesus said to him, “Do not hinder him; afor he who is not against you is 1for you.”

51 When the days were approaching for aHis 1ascension, He 2was determined bto go to Jerusalem;

52 and He sent messengers on ahead of Him, and they went and entered a village of the aSamaritans to 1make arrangements for Him.

53 But they did not receive Him, abecause 1He was traveling toward Jerusalem.

54 When His disciples aJames and John saw this, they said, “Lord, do You want us to bcommand fire to come down from heaven and consume them?”

55 But He turned and rebuked them, [1and said, “You do not know what kind of spirit you are of;

56 for the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.”] And they went on to another village.