45. But the disciples did not know what this meant. It had been hidden from them so that they could not understand it, and they were afraid to ask him about the matter.
46. An argument broke out among the disciples as to which one of them was the greatest.
47. Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he took a child, stood him by his side,
48. and said to them, “Whoever welcomes this child in my name, welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me, also welcomes the one who sent me. For the one who is least among you all is the greatest.”
49. John spoke up, “Master, we saw a man driving out demons in your name, and we told him to stop, because he doesn't belong to our group.”
50. “Do not try to stop him,” Jesus said to him and to the other disciples, “because whoever is not against you is for you.”
51. As the time drew near when Jesus would be taken up to heaven, he made up his mind and set out on his way to Jerusalem.
52. He sent messengers ahead of him, who went into a village in Samaria to get everything ready for him.