In the world’s eyes, welcoming important guests, associating with influential people, and name-dropping connections often become tools to elevate one’s status. Perhaps the disciples were caught up in such thinking when they argued about who among them was the greatest. But Jesus gently corrected them by embracing a child—someone with no influence or rank in society—and said that welcoming someone like this in His name is equal to welcoming Him, and even the Father who sent Him.
True greatness in God’s kingdom is not found in chasing prominence but in humbling ourselves to serve and value people, even those the world overlooks. When we care and love others without seeking recognition, we mirror the heart of Christ. To walk with Jesus is to reject the world’s standards and embrace the humble, the lowly, and the least—because in doing so, we welcome God Himself.