Definition: And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Luke 9:48 together. It’s a really important and beautiful passage about Jesus and his mission! Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that anyone who receives Jesus (and trusts him) will be blessed and rewarded. It’s like a big, generous gift – the more people receive him, the greater their reward. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And said unto them…” - This means Jesus is speaking to his followers. “…Whosoever shall receive this child in my name…” - This refers to Jesus himself. He's inviting people to accept him as their savior or a friend. “Receive” means to welcome, to accept, and to trust. "...receiveth me:" – This is the key part! "Receiveth" means to accept, to receive, and to be welcomed by Jesus. It's about opening your heart and mind to him. "...and whosoever shall receive me..." - This continues the idea of acceptance. It’s saying that anyone who trusts in Jesus will be blessed and have a good life. "...receiveth him that sent me:" – This is incredibly significant! It means that those who receive Jesus are also receiving the power and blessing that Jesus himself gave them. It's like getting a gift from a trusted friend. “…for he that is least among you all…” - This highlights that anyone can be blessed, regardless of their status or importance. It’s about recognizing everyone as part of the divine plan. In short: Jesus wants to invite everyone to come to him and receive him. If they do, they'll be blessed with a wonderful life and have a special reward. It emphasizes that everyone has the potential to be saved and blessed through faith in Jesus. What does this verse mean for us today? It’s a powerful message about God's love and invitation to everyone. It reminds us that we are all connected to Jesus, and that receiving him is a way to grow closer to him and experience his blessings. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of how people can receive Jesus? Talk about the significance of this passage within the larger story of Jesus’ life?