45
But they didn't understand what this meant. That was because it was hidden from them. And they were afraid to ask Jesus about it.
Who Is the Most Important Person?
46 The disciples began to argue about which one of them would be the most important person.
47
Jesus knew what they were thinking. So he took a little child and had the child stand beside him.
48
Then he spoke to them. "Anyone who welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me," he said. "And anyone who welcomes me welcomes the One who sent me. The least important person among all of you is the most important."
49
"Master," said John, "we saw a man driving out demons in your name. We tried to stop him, because he is not one of us."
50
"Do not stop him," Jesus said. "Anyone who is not against you is for you."
The Samaritans Do Not Welcome Jesus
51 The time grew near for Jesus to be taken up to heaven. So he made up his mind to go to Jerusalem.
52
He sent messengers on ahead. They went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him.
53
But the people there did not welcome Jesus. That was because he was heading for Jerusalem.
54
The disciples James and John saw this. They asked, "Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to destroy them?"
55
But Jesus turned and commanded them not to do it.