And whoever welcomes a little childIn the cultural context of the first century, children were often seen as insignificant and without status. Jesus elevates their importance, emphasizing humility and innocence. This phrase underscores the value of welcoming and caring for those who are vulnerable and dependent. It reflects the broader biblical theme of God’s concern for the marginalized and the call for believers to exhibit compassion and hospitality.
like this
Jesus likely refers to a specific child present during His teaching, using the child as a tangible example of the qualities He values: humility, trust, and simplicity. This phrase invites believers to emulate these characteristics in their own lives, highlighting the importance of childlike faith and dependence on God.
in My name
To act "in My name" implies doing something with the authority and character of Jesus. It signifies actions that align with His teachings and reflect His love and grace. This phrase connects to the broader biblical theme of acting as representatives of Christ, as seen in passages likeColossians 3:17, which encourages believers to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.
welcomes Me
This statement equates the act of welcoming a child with welcoming Jesus Himself, illustrating the intimate connection between how we treat others and our relationship with Christ. It echoes the teaching found inMatthew 25:40, where Jesus identifies with the "least of these." This phrase emphasizes the incarnational aspect of Christian service, where serving others is a direct expression of serving Christ.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Jesus ChristThe central figure in this passage, teaching His disciples about humility and the value of welcoming children.
2.
The DisciplesJesus' followers who are being taught about the importance of humility and the kingdom of heaven.
3.
Little ChildRepresents humility, innocence, and the least in society, whom Jesus uses as an example for His teaching.
4.
CapernaumThe place where this teaching likely occurred, as it was a central location for Jesus' ministry.
5.
The Kingdom of HeavenThe broader context of Jesus' teaching, emphasizing the values and attitudes necessary to enter it.
Teaching Points
The Value of HumilityJesus uses a child to illustrate the humility required to enter the kingdom of heaven. We are called to adopt a humble posture in our relationships and service.
Welcoming in Jesus' NameTo welcome a child in Jesus' name is to welcome Jesus Himself. This teaches us the importance of seeing Christ in others, especially the least and most vulnerable.
Childlike FaithEmulating the trust and dependence of a child is crucial for our spiritual growth and relationship with God.
Service to the LeastJesus' teaching challenges us to serve and honor those who are often overlooked or undervalued in society.
Reflecting Christ's LoveOur actions towards others, especially the humble and lowly, should reflect the love and acceptance of Christ.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Matthew 18:5?
2.How can we "welcome a little child" in our daily interactions today?
3.What does Matthew 18:5 teach about valuing humility in our relationships?
4.How does Matthew 18:5 connect to Jesus' teachings on servanthood?
5.In what ways can we embody Christ's love when welcoming others?
6.How can Matthew 18:5 guide our approach to community and fellowship?
7.How does Matthew 18:5 emphasize the importance of welcoming children in faith communities?
8.What does Matthew 18:5 reveal about the nature of Jesus' relationship with children?
9.How does Matthew 18:5 challenge our understanding of humility and greatness in the kingdom of heaven?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Matthew 18?
11.What does the Bible say about child custody issues?
12.What is the Bible's view on children born out of wedlock?
13.Who are the least of these among us?
14.What does the Bible say about Christian foster care?What Does Matthew 18:5 Mean
And whoever• Jesus removes all limits—any disciple, parent, teacher, neighbor, or stranger may participate in this promise (Romans 10:13).
• The statement follows His warning against causing little ones to stumble (Matthew 18:6); now He highlights the positive alternative.
• “Whoever” underscores personal responsibility; every believer must choose how to treat children (Acts 10:35).
welcomes• The word pictures open–armed hospitality, not mere tolerance (Hebrews 13:2).
• Receiving a child involves practical care—food, protection, instruction, kindness (1 Peter 4:9).
• Christ already taught, “Whoever receives you receives Me” (Matthew 10:40), linking hospitality with honoring God’s messengers.
a little child• Jesus is speaking of literal boys and girls—vulnerable, dependent, precious (Psalm 127:3).
• He had just set an actual child in the disciples’ midst (Mark 9:36).
• Children illustrate the kingdom’s required humility and trust (Luke 18:15-17).
like this• “Like this” points to that specific child and to the heart-posture he represents (Matthew 18:3-4).
• Christ values not size, status, or strength but child-like faith (Philippians 2:5-7).
• Our treatment of the least-regarded persons reveals what we truly think of God.
in My name• Welcoming is done consciously “for Jesus’ sake,” recognizing His authority and character (Colossians 3:17).
• It is not generic charity; it is ministry identified with Christ (Mark 9:37).
• To act “in His name” means aligning motives, words, and actions with His will (John 13:20).
welcomes Me• Jesus completely identifies with children; to receive them is to receive Him (Matthew 25:40).
• The encounter becomes personal fellowship with the Lord Himself (John 14:23).
• Believers experience the blessing of serving Christ directly when they honor the smallest among us (Galatians 4:14).
summaryMatthew 18:5 teaches that every believer who intentionally, lovingly receives and cares for children—doing so as an act of allegiance to Jesus—actually receives Jesus Himself. The verse calls us to value and protect the humble and powerless, knowing our response to them mirrors our response to Christ.
(5)
Whoso shall receive one such little child.--The words are memorable as the first utterance of the truth afterwards proclaimed as the law of final judgment in
Matthew 25:40, and as giving to that law the widest possible range of universality. No child of man is excluded from those whom Christ calls His brethren.
Verses 5-14. -
The treatment due to such.
Verse 5. -
Shall receive (
ο{ς ἐὰν δέξηται). The word is pregnant with meaning. It includes not only the showing of tender affection and the giving of material succour, such as hospitality, shelter, etc., but also the bestowal of help and support in spiritual things, encouragement in holiness, instruction in Divine lore.
One such little child. Primarily, Jesus refers to children, pure and confiding as the one he had placed in the midst; but his words are applicable to all who have the childlike spirit and character, the graces which he specially loves and rewards. The expressions here and in the next verse must be understood to belong in some cases to the symbol, and in others to the symbolized.
In my Name (
ἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματί μου);
for the sake of my Name; because he belongs to me; not merely from natural affection and pity, but from a higher motive, because the child has in him somewhat of Christ - is the child of God, and a member of Christ.
Receiveth me. That which is done to his little ones Christ regards as done to himself (comp.
Matthew 10:40-42). What a blessing waits on those who teach the young, working laboriously in schools, and training souls for heaven! This "receiving" Christ is a far higher and better thing than being "greatest" in an earthly kingdom.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.whoeverὃς(hos)Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3739:Who, which, what, that.welcomesδέξηται(dexētai)Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1209:To take, receive, accept, welcome. Middle voice of a primary verb; to receive.aἓν(hen)Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 1520:One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.little childπαιδίον(paidion)Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3813:Neuter diminutive of pais; a childling, i.e., an infant, or a half-grown boy or girl; figuratively, an immature Christian.like thisτοιοῦτο(toiouto)Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5108:(including the other inflections); from toi and houtos; truly this, i.e. Of this sort (to denote character or individuality).inἐπὶ(epi)Preposition
Strong's 1909:On, to, against, on the basis of, at.Myμου(mou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.nameὀνόματί(onomati)Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3686:Name, character, fame, reputation. From a presumed derivative of the base of ginosko; a 'name'.welcomesδέχεται(dechetai)Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1209:To take, receive, accept, welcome. Middle voice of a primary verb; to receive.Me.ἐμὲ(eme)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.
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NT Gospels: Matthew 18:5 Whoever receives one such little child (Matt. Mat Mt) 
