Asbury Bible Commentary – 2. Giving honor to disciples (9:33-37)
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2. Giving honor to disciples (9:33-37)

2. Giving honor to disciples (9:33-37)

The discussion turns from Jesus' suffering to sacrificing self-interest as the demands of discipleship are spelled out in the context of an argument over relative greatness. Jesus uses a pun on the Greek word pais, which can mean either “servant” or “little child.” When it is recognized that children in antiquity were treated with gross disrespect, Jesus' insistence on this role reversal is striking: Even the most insignificant among you is to be treated with the greatest honor!