Mk. 9:33b When Jesus was in the house He asked them, “What was it you disputed among yourselves on the road?”
Mk. 9:34 But they kept silent, for on the road they had disputed among themselves who would be the greatest.
Lk. 9:46 Then a dispute arose among them as to which of them would be greatest .
Mt. 18:1 At that time the disciples came to Yeshua, saying,”Who then is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?”
The situation arises out of a contention among the disciples as to who among them will be the greatest. This segment follows the previous lesson to Peter, whose tax was paid personally by Yeshua. It also follows the incident of the Transfiguration, in which only three of the twelve got to see. These two incidents may have raised the discussion as to which of them will be the greatest. Jealousy among the twelve may have began to creep in as it does so many times in churches today. Instead of people being satisfied with what the Lord has for them, they want what the other person has too.
Mk. 9:35 And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.”
Mt. 18:2 And Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them.
Mk. 9:36 Then He took a little child and set him in the midst of them. And when He had taken him in His arms, He said to them,
Lk. 9:47 And Jesus, perceiving the thoughts of their hearts, took a little child and set him by Him.
Mt. 18:3 And said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the Kingdom of Heaven.”
Mt. 18:4 “Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.”
Another contemporary example of Hebraic meditation is found in the ultra-orthodox community of the Hasidim (Pious Ones), who practice hitboddadut. This Hebrew term means “to be alone,” “to seclude oneself,” (for the purpose of meditation). Each day it is customary for an observant hasid to make time alone for a while so he can meditate by talking out loud with God. This meditation is a private pouring out of personal prayers, doubts, or problems. To recover a childlike quality of faith the Rabbis recommend “hitboddadut” at night in an open field.
Mt. 18:5 “And whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.”
Mk. 9:37 “Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me, and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me.”
Lk. 9:48 And said to them, “Whoever receives this little child in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me receives the One who sent Me. For he who is least among you will be the greatest.”
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