Matthew 18:5

“And whoso shall receive one such little child, etc.] Which is to be understood, not literally but metaphorically; meaning not such an one in age, but one, as the Syriac renders it, and aylj Æya, “that is as this child”: like unto it for modesty and humility; one, that is as that, free from pride, ambition, and envy. Christ’s sense is, that whoever receives his disciples, that are meek and lowly, into their houses, or into their hearts and affections; that receives their ministry and message, embraces the Gospel preached by them with readiness and cheerfulness, with faith and love, in my name; on his account, because they are his disciples, believe in him, preach his Gospel, and, as being…”

“See also Mark 9:33-41; Luke 9:46-50. Who is the greatest in the kingdom, of heaven? - By the kingdom of heaven they meant the kingdom which they supposed he was about to set up - his kingdom as the Messiah. They asked the question because they supposed, in accordance with the common expectation of the Jews, that he was about to set up a temporal kingdom of great splendor, and they wished to know who should have the principal offices, and posts of honor and profit. This was among them a frequent subject of inquiry and controversy. Mark Mark 9:34 informs us that they had had a dispute on this subject in the way. Jesus, he says, inquired of them what they had been disputing about. Luke Luke…”

“And all who are in this sense little children are unspeakably dear to me. Therefore help them all you can, as if it were myself in person, and see that ye offend them not; that is, that ye turn them not out of the right way, neither hinder them in it. Mat 10:40; Luk 10:16; Joh 13:20. Mar 9:42; Luk 17:1. Matthew 18:7”

“18:5 Jesus moved the discussion toward solidarity within the community; to welcome a humble follower of Jesus is to welcome Jesus himself (see 10:40-42).”

“receive: Mat 10:40-42, Mat 25:40, Mat 25:45; Mar 9:41; Luk 9:48, Luk 17:1, Luk 17:2 receiveth: Mar 9:37; Joh 13:20; Gal 4:14 Matthew 18:6”