Matthew 18:5

5 And he that receiveth one such little child in my name, receiveth me.

Matthew 18:5 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 18:5

And whoso shall receive one such little child
Which is to be understood, not literally but metaphorically; meaning not such an one in age, but one, as the Syriac renders it, (and aylj Kya) , "that is as this child": like unto it for modesty and humility; one, that is as that, free from pride, ambition, and envy. Christ's sense is, that whoever receives his disciples, that are meek and lowly, into their houses, or into their hearts and affections; that receives their ministry and message, embraces the Gospel preached by them with readiness and cheerfulness, with faith and love,

in my name;
on his account, because they are his disciples, believe in him, preach his Gospel, and, as being sent by, and representing him,

receiveth me:
it is so taken by Christ, as if he was personally present, and personally received, and had all the favours shown to his, done to himself in person; yea, such receive Christ in the ministry of the word, he being the sum and substance of it. This is said to encourage modesty and humility; and intimates, that proud and haughty persons will not be received as the disciples and followers of the meek and lowly Jesus; and to encourage persons to receive such that are modest and humble, since the respect shown to them, is all one as if shown to him.

Matthew 18:5 In-Context

3 and said, I say truth to you [and said, Truly I say to you], but ye be turned, and [be] made as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heavens.

4 Therefore whoever meeketh him[self] as this little child, he is [the] greater in the kingdom of heavens. [+Therefore whoever shall meek himself as this little child, he is the greater in the realm of heavens.]

5 And he that receiveth one such little child in my name, receiveth me.

6 But whoso causeth to stumble one of these small [+Forsooth who shall offend one of these little], that believe in me, it speedeth to him that a millstone of asses be hanged in his neck, and [that] he be drowned in the deepness of the sea.

7 Woe to the world, for causes of stumbling; for it is need that causes of stumbling come; nevertheless woe to that man by whom a cause of stumbling cometh. [Woe to the world, for offences; truly it is need, that offences come; nevertheless, woe to that man by whom an offence cometh.]