Which should be greatest
In the preceding verses we read that after the twelve had been disputing which of them should be the greatest, Jesus took a little child and set him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms, said to them, Whoever shall receive one of these little children in my name receives me; and whoever receives me receives not me only, but him who sent me (Mark 9:33-37). Then John answered (that is, spoke with reference to what our Lord had spoken just before): Master, we saw one casting out devils in your name, and we forbade him, because he does not follow us. As if he had said, Ought we to have received him? In receiving him, should we have received you? Ought we not rather to have forbidden him? Did we not do well in it? But Jesus said, Do not forbid him (Mark 9:38-39).
1771 text
1. IN the preceding verses we read, that after the twelve had been disputing, which of them should be the greatest, Jesus took a little child, and set him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms, said unto them, Whosoever shall receive one of these little children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever receiveth me, receiveth not me (only) but him that sent me. Then John answered (that is, said with reference to what our Lord had spoken just before) Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and we forbad him, because he followeth not us. As if he had said, “Ought we to have received him? In receiving him, should we have received thee? Ought we not rather to have forbidden him? Did not we do well therein?” But Jesus said, Forbid him not.
About this text
Rendered in modern English, to be read and heard. Open the 1771 text under each part to check the claims and the scripture.
Rendered in modern English. The 1771 panel is his own Pine printing of the Works. It is public domain.
Catalogue & scope
Sermon 38 in the 1771 Works. Mark 9:38-39.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.