An argument arose among the disciples about which of them was the greatest. Jesus realized the intention of their hearts and took a child and placed it by his side and said to them, "Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. For the one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest." Then John said in reply, "Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow in our company." Jesus said to him, "Do not prevent him, for whoever is not against you is for you." (Lk 9:46-50)
The disciples were men from the world. And they carried with them the values of the world. In the world (society) people always rated them. Ranking and rating are part of the way of behaving in the society. According to the ranks one was respected and treated. To live in the world and the society such way of behaviour was normal and at times it was also right.
The kingdom which Jesus was establishing was different. Among the children there were not ranking and rating. Children would move with everyone equally likely. They will not look at the ranks of people to relate to them. They may relate to people of relationship (their parents and other relations). Children value relationship more than ranks and ratings,
Jesus identifies himself to a child by saying: "Whoever receives this child in my name receives me”. Receiving a child and receiving Jesus are the same. This receiving also puts one in relationship God. This is how one enters into the kingdom. Relating to one another like children and receiving the other like a child is what matters in the kingdom.
