46 Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest.
47And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child, and set him by him,
48 And said unto them, Whosoever shall receiye this child in my name receiveth me : and whosoever shall receive me receiyeth him that sent
me : for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.
49 And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name ; and we forbade him, be- cause he foUoweth not with us.
50 And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not : for he that is not against us is for us.
The verses we have now read contain two most Import- ant warnings. They are directed against two of the commonest evils which are to be found in the Church of Christ. He who gave them knew well what was in the heart of man. Well would it have been for the Church of Christ, if His words in this passage had received more attention !
In the first place, the Lord Jesus gives us a warning against pride and self-conceit We are told that " there arose a reasoning among the disciples which of them should be the greatest." Wonderftd as it may seem, this little company of fishermen and publicans was not