40. I begged your disciples to cast it out, but they could not do so.”
41. Jesus answered, “You unbelieving and perverse generation! How much longer must I be with you and endure you? Bring your son here.”
42. As the boy was approaching, the demon threw him to the ground and shook him with convulsions. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the boy, and gave him back to his father.
43. Then they were all astonished at the mighty power of God.But while the entire crowd was amazed at everything Jesus was doing, he said to his disciples,
44. “Take these words to heart, for the Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men.”
45. But they did not understand this statement; its meaning had been concealed from them, so that they could not grasp it. Yet they were afraid to ask him about this statement.
46. Now an argument started among the disciples as to which of them might be the greatest.
47. But when Jesus discerned their innermost thoughts, he took a child, had him stand by his side,
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 is the one who is great.”