Luke 9:46

This passage we had before, and, the more is the pity, we shall meet with the like again. Ambition of honour, and strife for superiority and precedency, are sins that most easily beset the disciples of our Lord Jesus, for which they deserve to be severely rebuked; they flow from corruptions which they are highly concerned to subdue and mortify,

They that expect to be great in this world commonly aim high, and nothing will serve them short of being greatest; this exposes them to a great deal of temptation and trouble, which they are safe from that are content to be little, to be least, to be less than the least. Jesus Christ is perfectly acquainted with the thoughts and intents of our hearts: He perceived their thoughts,

There arose a reasoning - Εισηλθε δε διαλογισμος, A dialogue took place - one inquired, and another answered, and so on. See this subject explained on Mat 18:1 (note), etc.

And (2) If such a person cannot be supposed to be 'against us,' you are to consider him 'for us.'" Two principles of immense importance. Christ does not say this man should not have followed "with them," but simply teaches how he was to be regarded though he did not--as a reverer of His name and a promoter of His cause.

quarantine:debris (2026-07-29) — odd-straight-quotes

The verses we have now read contain two most important warnings . They are directed against two of the commonest evils which are to be found in the Church of Christ. He who gave them, well knew what was in the heart of man. Well would it have been for the Church of Christ, if His words in this passage had received more attention! In the first place — the Lord Jesus gives us a warning against pride and self-conceit. We are told that "A dispute arose among the disciples, as to which of them would be the greatest."

The verses we have now read contain two most important warnings . They are directed against two of the commonest evils which are to be found in the Church of Christ. He who gave them, well knew what was in the heart of man. Well would it have been for the Church of Christ, if His words in this passage had received more attention! In the first place — the Lord Jesus gives us a warning against pride and self-conceit. We are told that "A dispute arose among the disciples, as to which of them would be the greatest." Astonishing as it may seem, this little company of fishermen and publicans — was not beyond the plague of a self-seeking and ambitious spirit. Filled with the vain notion that our Lord's kingdom was to appear immediately — they were ready to wrangle about their place and priority in it. Each thought that his own claim was the strongest. Each thought that his own deserts and right to honor, was most unquestionable. Each thought that whatever place was assigned to his brethren — a principal place ought to be assigned to himself. And all this happened in the company of Christ Himself — and under the noon-tide blaze of His teaching! Such is the prideful heart of man. There is something very instructive in this fact. It ought to sink down deeply into the heart of every Christian reader. Of all sins, there is none against which we have such need to watch and pray — as pride. It is a pestilence which walks in darkness, and a sickness which destroys at noon-day. No sin is so deeply rooted in our nature — as pride. It cleaves to us like our skin. Its roots never entirely die. They are ready, at any moment — to spring up, and exhibit a most pernicious vitality. At the same time, no sin is so senseless and deceitful . It can wear the garb of humility itself.

See the notes at Mat 18:1-5. Compare Mar 9:33-38.